Hammer of Arcularius
Autodidact Beer

 

Reviewed 12 days after canning. Poured into a Willi Becher glass. Its color is between dark cola and ink black and it sports an impressive cap of creamy, light khaki foam with a thin film of lacing with excellent retention. The smell is appropriate with roasted malt, raisin, black cherry, tobacco smoke, char, and a whiff of nuts and caramel. The taste opens with a strong dose of dark fruit, including raisin, prune, and black cherry. But the fruit is not entirely sweet; rather, there is a tart - almost sour - flavor that adds sophistication. Beneath is the bitter taste of burnt brown malts and nuts, as well as earthy char. The mouth feel is pleasant with rather lively carbonation, and the 8.5% ABV is surprisingly benign. Overall, I've been waiting for Autodidact to brew some heavier, darker beers and Hammer doesn't disappoint. I'm very interested in seeing how it changes over the next few weeks. I could see buying more and drinking it through Thanksgiving.