The Muscovado Monster of Mauritius
Brouwerij De Moersleutel

Got this from the Duvel guy in Utrecht

From a 44cl can into a snifter
Collaboration with Armando Ochoa
UK Dark Barleywine with Muscovado Sugar

APPEARANCE: Clear burnt umber pour yields a small, fizzy, off-white head with okay retention. Head fizzes away to a thin wisp and ring. Color is a clear rosewood red with no real carbonation. A slight ring remains until the end leaving some nice lacing on the glass as it empties. This is rather nice looking.

SMELL: Lots of dark grain, like Special B and dark crystal, giving it a leathery, dark fruit, brown sugar aroma. Hints of vanilla burnt toffee, as well as raisins and dates as well. Medium strength.

TASTE: Dark fruits, like grapes, raisins and dried dates, with leather and brown sugar up front. A decent stroke of booze at the swallow, with a bold finish of dark fruits, burnt toffee and caramel sweetness, vanilla, leather, brown sugar and molasses, as well as spicy booze linger on the palate.

PALATE: Medium body and medium levels of carbonation. Silky on the palate, goes down fine with a bit of a burn at the swallow, finishing rather sticky on the palate. Lots of heat lingers.

OVERALL: A fine dark barleywine, and it’s got its fair share of dark crystal and Special B malts in there for good measure. It’s leathery with lots of dried fruit and vanilla flavor, though I’ll admit it’s a little too much for my palate. It’s also quite hot, even for a barleywine. A solid brew but seems to rub me the wrong way. Regardless of my preferences, if you like this style, you’ll definitely like this. Check it out if you can.