Oso
Cismontane Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

Poured into an Elysian snifter. Pours a very dark dark brown, appearing opaque black in the glass. Two finger fine brown head with great retention and massive lacing. Great aroma of whisky, dark toasted malt, light fruit esters, chocolate and a hint of rye. Flavor begins with dark and light fruit esters, toasted malt and whisky, finishing with dark roasty malt, hints of chocolate, grassy hop bitterness and another whallop of whisky. Medium bodied with peppery active carbonation. A very nice flavor transition, beginning like a whisky strong ale, but finishing closer to its intended porter profile. Quite whisky forward with the alcohol present but well aligned with the whisky element. Warming. I liked this quite a bit and regret that I did not get another bottle.

 

 

Near black color but with an amber edge. Pours a nice foam in the narrow Crooked Line tulip. Even the second day after recapping it retains plenty of carbonation. Aroma is dank and slightly whiskey-fied. Creamy sudsiness adds to the drinkability.

The intense flavor gradually works up into the brain cells. The barrel flavor is more dry than boozy, but it has a nice whisky tang. Barely sweet at all. The main sensation is a sharp stab to the tongue. Label says just 25 IBU, so apparently the woody barrel flavor includes some bitterness. Also some charred and slightly sour black malt taste.

A fascinating beer that combines complexity with-- well, sippability. From the 750 ml bottle bought at Bine and Vine in San Diego. Price was $17.25.

Thanks to jmgrub for sharing this one at mhksuccess' tasting.

Pours a hazy super dark brown with a foamy dark khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Foamy rings of lace line the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, rye, cocoa, fruits, and whiskey. Taste is much the same with a slight tartness and alcohol kick on the finish. There is a mild amount of roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is tasty but has a better smell.