Formidable
Birrificio Cittavecchia

 

 

A: The beer is quite hazy and caramel in color, having a light amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a thin off white head consisting of large bubbles that died down, leaving lacing on the surface and a collar around the edge of the glass.
S: Light to moderate aromas of fruity yeast are present in the nose—cherries and raisins seem to stand out in particular. The smell becomes a bit stronger as the beer warms up.
T: The taste shares some similarities with the smell and has flavors of raisins, wood and yeast along with some hints of smoke. Neither alcohol or sweetness are detectable.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied and a little watery on the palate with a low to moderate amount of carbonation.
O: You really need to let this beer warm up to let the aromas and flavors develop. I found it to be interesting, but it seemed a little flat on the mouthfeel. The label calls this a "stout" but it seems to be more like a watered down version of an old ale.

From a 750 ml bottle the beer pours a fizzy, dark brown color. The head is initially decent, but quickly falls into a glass encircled ring. The aroma is a little off-putting...sour notes, like sour apples, a little roasted malt, and a little earthy character. What's worse, though, is a little rancid, with a old-butter and fat quality. Not really pleasant. The flavor is quite sweet, with some of the sour notes (from the smell) coming through. Some roast qualities, and quite sweet. Medium mouthfeel, with some carbonation. All in all, this one is not well done...either poorly brewed or poorly conceived...either way, I'd avoid it.