O Grande Encontro
Cervejaria Tupiniquim

 

With the beer called "The Great Gathering", a great gathering did occur amongst brewers. As the talents from Nogne O and Colorado come to town, their minds rest upon a Belgian ale of stronger, darker character.

O Grande Encontro's stately appearance is dark and deep garnet with burgundy, rust and ruby casting a long gaze. Building a creamy and loosely knit lather, the beer's aromas are chocked full of dark fruit, red wine, candi sweetness, chocolate, molasses and a berry medley. Its lavishly sweet taste is remiss of hard candy, toasted toffee and with a pep of cocoa to round out the early palate.

And across the middle, the sweetness relaxes softly and allows for the tangy flavors of red wine, plum, raisin, date, fig, blackberry, black cherry and blackcurrant to add to the culinary art. Spice cake, peppercorn, cinnamon and nutmeg round out the balance while the lasting flavors of rum come into play.

Full, decadent and sweeter than most authentic versions, the beer's cake-like body retains like barleywine, even as the light vinous acidity, brandy-like warmth and natural spices balance the malts quite well. Its long and savory aftertaste leaves impressions of fruitcake, but in the best way possible.