Jolly Rodger 2016 Transatlantic Winter Warmer
Drake's Brewing Co.

 

 

Appearance - Pours clear and ruby brown in color with a sandstone colored, near two finger width head. Fair retention, leaving behind a mostly barren surface and a thin ring around the edge of the glass. No lacing.

Smell - Strong aromatics that are reminiscent of banana raisin bread or some kind of fruitcake; raisin, banana, spice, sugary caramel and toasted bread qualities. I'm loving the aroma.

Taste - A bit more sweet and boozy than the nose leads on, but follows the same characteristics. Notes of banana, clove spice, caramel, molasses, toasted bread and raisin can all be found here. Bitterness can be found in the finish, almost of a charred wood quality, along with lingering sugared raisin sweetness.

Mouthfeel - Medium-to-full in body with moderate carbonation. Slick texture turns slightly dry and sticky in the finish.

Overall - Great brew, but a bit sweet for my tastes. Almost drinks like a Belgian Dubbel or Strong Dark. I'll finish the bottle, and I can appreciate the assertiveness, but I doubt I'd buy it again.

 

 

 

A: Deep brownish orange to ruby red. Thin well defined khaki bubbles.

S: sweet candied orange, baking spices, hops, brown sugar, caramel. Ever so faint resin.

T: Baking spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, hops. burnt caramel. almost some oak and warm booze.

F: nice palate coating and bite for the finish. a bit thin though, but if a little thicker coulda been amazing.

O: Very happy with this. Not the gimmicky "spice flavors" but well done. Kinda of has a Hefe meets Samichlaus to it.

Liked this one. Smells like Christmas--sugar and spice and everything nice. Kinda like a little sweeter version of Deschute's Jubelale. Nice and creamy mouthfeel.