3870
RAR Brewing (Real Ale Revival)

 

I really wish that I knew the origin of this beer's name. It has nowt to do with their address, nor does it ring any bells. The depiction of the monk on the label puts me more in mind of a science-fiction robot. All very intriguing & all in a day's work for The CANQuest (tm), where weirdness is king. This CAN was another CANta Claus gift from a fellow to whom I gave a buncha CANs.

From the CAN: "Drink Fresh"; "Dawson's Liquor*Wine*Beer Since 1944 Service-Quality-Selection".

The Crack! unleashed a small spray as the result of being a brimful craft CAN. I had a large brandy snifter standing by, so an inverted Glug was easy. However, the extensive surface area made for low head retention. I had a finger of foamy, deep-tan/light-brown head for the briefest of moments until it dissipated. Color was a cloudy Dark Brown to Very Dark Brown (SRM = > 27, < 34). The nose proved that my choice of a brandy glass was appropriate. It smelled really boozy with loads of dried, dark fruits - think prunes, raisins, blueberries and even a slight nuttiness! Whee! Mouthfeel was medium. The taste was more towards an Old Ale or a young English Barleywine. The fruitiness and nuttiness were instantly obvious, but there was also a leathery flavor, giving lie to the idea of drinking it fresh. This was slightly aged and I believe that it was starting to mellow. It could really become something to cherish if set aside for a while. Finish was hot & dry and I stand behind letting this age if you have one. The more I CANsider it, the more I am CANvinced that this is more like a young Old Ale, especially with the leatheriness.

Pour: On draft at the Roofer's Union in D.C. Poured into a tulip glass. Appearance: Dark brown. Viscous and tough to see through. Thin off-color head. Lacing present. A few lazy bubbles making their way through the brew. Aroma: Deep molasses and fig/raisin aromas. Very malty and slightly burnt notes are present. Slight hop character but it is only present when swirled. Taste: Dark fruits...figs, raisins. Viscous and bold. Molasses is present. Caramel and bready malt is notable throughout the sip. Aftertaste: Consistent through the sip and on the back end. Slight alcohol warmth at the back as well. Overall: Good and consistent. 3 out of 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice drinkable Belgian style dark beer. Kind of a session Quad. Shows good character and brewing skill. Very promising for a young brewery. Well done.

Very solid belgian dark. One of the reps classified it as a "quad". I think the complexity fits that description. A bit boozy on the aftertaste, but a little aging would mellow that for sure