Bagheera
Tripping Animals Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

There's a substantial, but not offensive dark violet head on top of a dark reddish-mauve liquid in the clear glass liter mug. A pint can was drained for this achievement. There were some solids passed on from can to drinking vessel and that’s not a bad thing. For some reason, the aroma seems more of tannins than boysenberry, vanilla or currants. Not that it's bad, but maybe there's some interchange between the fruit, vanilla and lactose that gives it such a characteristic. Or, maybe it's just the Black Currant. That's the way it drinks, too. It must be the woodiness of the Black Currant, because the Boysenberry and vanilla seem to have a very minor role in the overall taste. Thankfully, so does the lactose. It's understandable that some want nothing to do with milkshake beers and that's almost a given when it comes to IPAs and the like. Fruited beers and stouts deserve some reconsideration, like this. The lactose only adds some body and smoothness, whilst softening the Currant astringency. Maybe the mouthfeel at the finish gets a little sticky because of it, but it's not a major concern. The problem is the lack of taste contributions from the vanilla and the Boysenberry. This is Black Currant dominant, so unless that's a preferred taste, this probably isn't for you. If Black Currant brews are your thing, this is among the best options. The decent glass lacing and residue at the bottom of the mug are nice touches, too.

 

 

 

COD 081822