Cellar Series: Laugas
Põhjala Brewery & Tap Room

 

 

 

Pours a cloudy, deep, dark, reddish mahogany coloration with a small, fizzy, quickly dissipating head. Smell is dominated by juniper, with a strong bourbon note and hints of vanilla, anise and caraway as well. Taste follows the nose, being dominated by juniper and a lovely bourbon barrel presence, as well as caramel malt and notes of red/dark fruit: red/blackcurrant, fig, chocolate, toffee and hints of vanilla, anise and caraway. Finishes with a light sweetness and medium bitterness, with some herbal notes lingering in the aftertaste. Smooth mouthfeel with a rich body and medium carbonation.

A fantastic Gruit with a great balance of herbal, botanical notes, malty undertones and a rich bourbon barrel character, as well as a perfect harmony of sweet and bitter notes.

 

 

If I liked rye bread and gin more, I would find no fault with this. The base beer presents as something between a scotch ale and a Belgian quad or strong dark, with nice malt and candi sugar juxtaposed with medicinal botanicals and gin--not my cup of tea, but I can tell this is masterfully crafted. Highly complex despite pushing into a realm I'm not fond of.