Electric Boatman
Outer Light Brewing Company

an imperial version of their impressive lonesome boatman, and a clever name with the submarine factory right there in town, im sure those guys come over after work and drink pints of this, i know i would if i worked there. this has a lot of what i like in the original, but feels and drinks a whole level bigger, some oats are appreciable at its core and i like that in this style, soft and full at the same time, no harsh edges even though its strong and seemingly fermented a little warm. gorgeous past brick red color, clear and tidy, chestnut, with well over an inch of cream head on it, airy and weightless like a belgian beer, looks awesome. the nose is nutty, roasty and warm, autumnal in a deep and earthy way, hints of maple, almond, fallen leaves, and old wood, along with dark bread, citrus hops, and distinctive minerality, sweet yes, and strong too, but all in good proportion. the flavor has molasses, almond and hazelnut, grapefruit pith from the simcoe, a green tea bitterness too from the hops, an english richness, layers of dark bread, tree bark, and raisin, really flavorful, and its really nicely balanced for its size, hoppy and more intense at the end, great flow to this from front to back. smoothed out fuller medium body, warming and flush, not too sweet overall, especially at the end, and complex for what it is, they have packed a lot into this one, but its intentional, nothing kitchen sinky about it. lovely beer, a nice colder weather sipper i reckon, and a top beer on tap here when i was in. great recipe and execution.

 

Pour appearance: slightly muddy reddish brew, with a nonexistent head. Could have been the pour; could have been an older keg.

Aroma is quite inviting and slightly restrained: pine and citrus, and a touch of tropical fruit.

Flavor is strongly reminiscent of the original Lonesome Boatman: citrus and pine from the hops, atop a brown sugar caramel malt base. Grainy and malty in the best way, while fresh and hoppy and balanced. The added ABV does nothing untoward for the character of the beer overall, but adds a slight punch.

Exceptional drinkability; despite the 8% ABV, this could pass for its little brother (5.2%!). Wonderful expression of the beer.