Tea Pain
Short's Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

Received from @BigIronH in the NBS BIF #16. Canned on 11/4/2022 so just over a month old. Poured into a tulip glass. It pours a very deep walnut - nearly black - with a half finger cap of creamy, light mocha foam and thin sheen of lacing. Nice aroma of roasted malt with notes of tea and caramel. The bourbon influence is very subtle. The taste really different! There is a firm base of malt with lots of caramel/vanilla. At mid-palate the Earl Grey tea is evident. But what's really unique is the barrel influence; the bourbon is subtle and provides an oaky, almost chocolate taste that's very appealing. Great depth of flavor. The mouth feel is rich and creamy with lite/moderate carbonation, and the 11.6% ABV is very well hidden. Overall, Tea Pain is very well-conceived; there's nothing gimmicky about it. It would pair well with a hearty meal or serve as a dessert sipper.

 

Pours pitch black with an off white head quickly receding to a thin ring. Spotty lacing. Nose is caramel, vanilla, herbal tea, sweet floral notes and some oak. Taste follows suit with a bitter herbal finish. Feel is silky and smooth. Overall, sweet and bitter and complex. Excellent.