Ghost in the Walls
Origin Beer Project

I may not be drinking or reviewing much beer these days, but this seems like an ideal beer and style to start Christmas (or finish Christmas Eve, technically) with. Belgian Dark Strongs aren’t exactly common, and it’s cool to see two local breweries coming together to make one. Let’s crack it open and find out what it has to offer

Pours a cloudy medium brownish red with a finger of creamy light tan head that slowly fades to a thin ring and leaves minimal lacing

The nose is pretty much standard fare but that’s fine by me. I’m picking up on aromas of brown bread, molasses, candi sugar, overripe banana, raisin, black cherry, herbal hops, black pepper, light clove, and walnut

In taste the fruity notes come to the forefront, followed by a surprising but not super aggressive boozy heat. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting raisin, candi sugar, molasses, dates, dark toast, cocoa powder, black cherry, light banana, and black pepper. The swallow brings notes of herbal hops, honey, candi sugar, raisin, toffee, cocoa powder, black cherry, walnut, banana bread, and light cinnamon

A medium body pairs with gentle tingling carbonation, resulting in a smooth beer with a bite. Finishes bone dry and a touch boozy

This isn’t anything special but it’s damn solid regardless. Happy holidays!

Pours a lovely mahogany hue with a semi-translucent clarity and a quarter inch, tan-colored head that quickly dissipates into a band around the shoulders and a soapy slick across the surface. Nose expresses candi sugar, cloves and black licorice. Taste consistent with nose with a light medicinal bitterness that lingers at the finish. Mouthfeel is light-medium in body with a balanced carbonation. Overall, a well-crafted example of an underrepresented style.