Sweet Tooth
Only Child Brewing Company

 

Pours a nearly translucent chestnut color with a moderate head of sudsy froth. Aroma smells of peat, burnt bread crust, and salted caramel, with hints of cocoa.

The taste is much more bitter than the nose would suggest, with plenty of earthy, slightly herbal hops to offset a sweetness comprised of caramel, nuts, and burnt bread. There’s also a definite alcohol character that intrudes on the finer flavors, much moreso than I’d expect for its ABV. Traces of milk chocolate sneak through in the finish as the beer warms. Medium body and moderate, fine carbonation lend a slightly creamy mouthfeel, which works well.

Overall, this brew has an aggressiveness which prevents it from living up to its “sweet” namesake. I’d had it once before and recall a much milder and more delicious beer, so either my palate was skewed, or my memory fails me (either of which is highly possibly considering the last experience was at a tasting).

 

Imperial red brewed with cocoa nibs & lactose. Tasted from a 12 oz bottle on July 9, 2015.