Better Angels
Brooklyn Brewery

 

 

Oxidized blood red color. Off white, cream head of which only a few whisps remain after a minute.

Vinegary-sweet treacle, figs and dried dates. A subtle rush of red stained oak, licorice, and mace.

Crisp carb + a medium body= light and airy sensation.

Wooden spice of oak balances out the soft-sweetness of clove spiked grand marnier. Prunes and sherry.

a rather unique strong ale from these guys, but thats what they are known for, and i thought it was exquisite. its darker than anticipated, a thin looking almost black color with some crimson edges and copper glow in the right light, almost like a deep brown ale, not a ton of head on it, but a very interesting mix or aromas and flavors. i get red and port wine right away, moderate tartness immediately evident as well, hints of anise and licorice, toffee and clove, richer darker malts, and subtle cherry and prune. in the flavor its a cool mix of roasty and dark chocolate tasting malt with the sour fruitiness, heaps of wine and tannins and plenty of oak as well. really interesting fermentation profile too, some bacterial acidity, some mature funk, and really quite wild and unfamiliar to me overall. the wood is nice as a balancing agent, port wine sweetness and almost walnut character too, lots of dried fruits, and enough charry bitterness at the end for this to seem well rounded. a clever beer with a lot going on, a slick texture, and overall a memorable and well developed beer. in my opinion this is precisely what these guys do best!