Guiding Light (2023)
Wild Mind Ales

Had this at the tap room, and was so pleasantly surprised and happy with it that I bought a 4-pack of tallboys, and they've been excellent. This pours a dark brown-black that, when held up to the light, has a little amber on the edges, together with a nice khaki two-finger tight little bubbly head, good retention, and some lacing. The nose is kind of warm toasted bread and a little chocolate, but not at all sweet. The taste is fantastic: rich and interesting malts -- graham crackers, toast, faint chocolate -- and maybe just a touch of herbal hops. Carbonation is on the low side, body is nice and substantial and full but not heavy. Finish doesn't come to a clear point, just kind of lingers with some delicious maltiness. Doesn't get too close to anything very roasty.

Had the last one of these side-by-side with an Ayinger version...this one wasn't put together quite as well, but in terms of the pleasure associated with the whole drinking experience, it didn't suffer from the comparison.