Rock Duster
Apponaug Brewing Company

Canned on 4/6/20

Pours a brilliant jet brown, near black, sheen with light mahogany accents, and topped with a bit more than a finger of tight, pillowy dark tan foam; ok head retention leaves a light curtain of cap, an expanding, frothy collar, and a generous display off walling/webby lacing.

Aroma opens with lightly smoked toffee as a silky chocolate flows across the bouquet with floral hop touches in the backdrop; charry coffee becomes increasingly pronounced on the back half as grassy hops develop on the close.

Taste brings out a wave of smoked toffee softened by a light cocoa dusting; charred coffee accents the mid-palate alongside a malty roast; a hint of charred anise and a second wave of malty char comes through on the close.

Mouthfeel features a light body, a touch watery but otherwise evened by a higher level of prickly carbonation; silky texture coming across the mid-palate, tightening the body to a flaky crispness on the back of the palate, with stiff malt roast into the finish and a vague lingering bitterness past the swallow.

A sturdy, expressive malt base with some deft hop accents bring nuance to the forefront of an overall enjoyable drinking experience; while no doubt imperfect, this dark lager leaves a strong impression with a solid all-around foundation to build from.