Chalice of Malice
Pollyanna Brewing Company

 

 

Crowler pour on 7/10 and opened the following day

Look: Very dark appearance, but maintains a brown hue unlike a jet black stout. High carbonation from the high alcohol content creates a wonderful pouring experience as a bubbles slowly emerge from the thick, dark drink.

Smell: Dark fruit flavors resonate through the nose. These dark fruit smells are subtle, but present through the strong malt sweetness.

Taste: The sweetness of the full and thick malt profile are balanced by the high alcohol content that carries more nuanced flavors.

Feel: The heavy malt profile creates a thick mouthfeel that is almost syrupy. Not sure if I put up with the thickness or if I enjoyed it. If it was fall / winter, I think it would have been more enjoyable.

Overall: I loved this beer. I am a big fan of barrel aged beers and stouts and this beer strikes a nice balance between the flavor from the heavy body of those styles of beer while maintaining some drinkability. Would not say it is world class, but it is absolutely worth a try.

Crowler pour (filled 04/01) into a chalice shows a cloudy orangish-brown body when backlit and boasts a proud 1in head of cream colored foam that falls, after several minutes, to an edge-hugging ring, leaving a clean glass behind.

Aroma, though muted, does include molasses, hops, and raisins.

Flavors of dried fruits and caramel seamlessly meld with the classic American hops for a fine sipping elixir. Deep, dark, and complex and in need of a cigar, the booze is obvious.

Mouthfeel is full, rich, and creamy with a slight warming sensation.

Overall a fine specimen.

Collaboration with Beerhead. An English Barleywine brewed with English Maris Otter, English caramel malts, and English yeast, but with an American twist thanks to a firm hopping of Amarillo and Centennial. Draft from Beerhead on February 11, 2020.