Tropical Distraction
Horus Aged Ales

Drank from a 355 ml (12 fl. oz.) pink wax dipped bottle purchased on Tavour
Served in a tulip

The beer poured a super oily and dense total pitch black. Even with a fairly aggressive pour, there was absolutely no head nor any lacing. The resulting body looked shimmery and slick in the glass.

The aroma was intense. Rum barrel notes came through big time. Loads of fresh coconut as well. Vanilla was also quite noticeable. Good amount of powdered cocoa too. Super sweet overall but appropriately so given the style. Touch of roastiness. Caramel malts were also apparent. There was a subtle nuttiness too, though I would not pick out the hazelnut specifically. Hint of light roast coffee.

The flavor profile was nearly as intense and as impressive as the nose. Loads of sweet rum barrel and fresh coconut right off the bat. Vanilla was also quite apparent, along with some maple syrup. Caramel and roasted malt notes appeared mid palate. There was a subtle metallic quality here as well, but it thankfully dissipated as the beer sat. More boozy rum barrel and roasty notes on the back end and in the finish. Coconut lingered after the swallow. Unfortunately, I did not pick up either the Geisha coffee or the hazelnut.

The mouthfeel was outstanding. It was completely full bodied for the style. Really oily and dense. The liquid contained a super fine, moderate effervescence that fluffed up beautifully on the palate. After a few sips, the sugars in the beer left a sticky film on my lips.

Horus’s barrel-aged stouts and barleywines are always impressive, and this beer was definitely another winner. I am not sure that this was totally worth the steep price of admission, but I enjoyed it immensely nevertheless.

 

Bottle shared by Mike L. Thank you, sir!

Brown dark cola body with only a hint of beige head. Huge aroma of chocolate, hazelnut, vanilla. Flavors of Nutella and brownie batter. Rich and sweet. Remarkable. So easy to drink.