Not So Mild
Nøgne Ø

First had: on tap at Farmer's Cabinet, Philly, PA

Listed as a collaboration between Nogne O and Japanese brewers, Shiga Kogen.

Served in a little baby wine glass, but initially poured into a huge weisse glass because all that came out of the tap was a monstrous cloud of foam. It took two pours into the larger glass to get enough for my serving size, which was about six ounces. A dark, woody brown color, with a thin off-white cap (once the initial pour settled). Just a little bit of spotty lacing on the glass. Nutty aroma, bready, with scents of toasted grains and malts. Basic taste, but very full-flavored, with roasted nuts and grains, mildly sweet malts and subtle earthy hops that gave a very nice sense of balance. Hints of black cherries and raisins. Medium-bodied, moderately carbonated, and very drinkable...though not for the price it was being sold for, I'm afraid.

On tap at the Cardinal in Stavanger, Norway, served in a standard pint glass with the Nogne's Ø on the glass. This ale is dark brown in appearance with a tan, creamy head. Magnificent lacing on the glass as this beer is consumed. Smell consists of roasted nuts, hints of coffee and chocolate and some floral notes from the hops. Taste features again, roasted nuttiness and caramel up front that transitions to a nice bitterness at the end. Not so mild is right. Mouthfeel was substantial and smooth. Carbonation was on target for the style. Overall, I very much enjoyed this treat. Very drinkable with an interesting character and flavor profile. The bitterness at the end is a nice touch.