Forest Edge 2
Esker Hart Artisan Ales

The brewery styles this ale as a "Viennawine." I had it on draught at the brewery. 10 oz. pour served in a snifter. It pours a dark mahogany with a thin, ecru-colored head that dissipated rapidly leaving a thin ring. The nose is terrific with notes of brown sugar, toffee, raisin, and whiffs of leather and tobacco. Its taste is fabulous. It opens very sweet with lots of brown sugar, toffee, and Graham Cracker. The Vienna malts provide a different background from an English Barleywine. It is almost like eating high-end candy. As it warms there is greater fruit presence, including raisin and date, as well as cigar. As it warms the taste evolves and and the depth of flavor is impressive. The mouth feel is viscous and syrupy with a low level of carbonation. The 13.3% ABV is noticeable and warming but not distracting. It should be sipped slowly and savored. Overall, Forest Edge 2 is truly a unique brew. It doesn't taste like a typical English Barleywine. It is a perfect dessert beverage. I understand that Esker Hart is aging some of it in barrels, which should be amazing. Drinking Forest Edge 2 is an experience and I award style points for the brewery's dedication of its resources to brew it.