Brut Force
Ahnapee Brewery

 

one of the more interesting takes on this style i have ever seen, albeit my experience with them is quite limited. also my first beer from ahnapee. its darker than any i have ever seen, dark bronzy caramel color, almost chestnut colored even, but with a clarity like i have never seen from a beer of this shade, its incredible, right to the bottom of the bottle too! the head is high and almost pure white, it has great retention even as the beer warms up, and it doesnt smell or taste anywhere near this strong, i would have bet it to be under 9% abv, even at temperature, amazing. there are cool smells and tastes here, port wine, toffee, cognac, fig, golden raisin, herbal tea, white wine, dried apricot, subtle clove and ester, unified and not as complex as all that, but nicely nuanced and even oddly sippable for what it is. fuller body from the grain sure, and a bit of obvious honey type sweetness all the way through it, but it isnt overwhelming in the least, and the high carbonation pushes right through the medium body, even makes it past effervescence, its uplifting and delightful, contemplative, and compelling. this is a really unique beer, flavorful, integrated, and ambitious, refined to a remarkable level as well, super impressive overall! this is a style and a space i wish more breweries would have the courage to play around in. mad respect!