Almost 29lb Brown Ale
Clinch River Brewing

A: Pours a clear but almost opaque very dark brown in color with moderate amounts of active visible carbonation rising slowly along the edges of the glass and moderate amounts of chestnut brown + mahogany + ruby red + amber colored highlights. The beer has a two finger tall sudsy foamy tan head that slowly reduces to a half finger thick film covering the entire surface of the beer and a thick ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate aromas of slightly roasted + dark + chocolate + caramel malts with a light amount of caramel sweetness. Light aromas of slightly floral + earthy hops.

T: Upfront there are moderate flavors of slightly roasted + dark + chocolate + caramel malts with a light amount of caramel sweetness. That is followed by light flavors of slightly floral + earthy hops which contribute a light amount of bitterness which slowly fades away.

M: Light to medium bodied with slightly heavier than moderate amounts of carbonation.

O: Easy to drink with well hidden alcohol and a slightly thin + over-carbonated mouthfeel. Nice complexity of malt flavors + aromas with the chocolate presence intensifying as the beer warms up. Well balanced with a relatively clean finish.

Purchased at the brewery On 01/01/2022. Gentle to moderate pour today from a 32 oz crowler to a shaker.
The website says "Rich chocolate and roasty malt character with a balanced bitterness, american hop flavor, and a clean yeast profile."

Look - I think it's a little dark for the style, almost like a Porter. Pours very clear and has a tinge of ruby/garnet when held against a good light. 2.5 finger khaki head, had to slow the pour or it would have been more. Head remained until taking the first sip, and then started to thin out but laced well enough to be able to count how many sips it took to finish the glass.

Aroma (what BA refers to as Smell [boo]) - is wonderful to me and mostly what I perceive as Brown malt and some roast. Didn't get the chocolate until after the head subsided, and it increased as the glass was emptied. Hops produce a light and balanced pungent and floral character.

Tastes - like a good Brown Ale, on par with Sweet Josie Brown. Alcohol presence is nearly nil.

Feel - It's deceptively thin (not a bad thing) considering how dark it is. I could use a touch more body. Carbonation is good for the style.

Notwithstanding a minor departure from the Brown Ale style (a bit dark), this is a good, solid beer. It either 1) accentuates Brown malt (which I like a lot), or it 2) does a fine job of mimicking Brown malt if none was used in brewing. I don't know if they distribute, but I'll keep it in mind when at the beer store. If I revisit the brewery I'd get it again.