Ten Penny Ale Reserve
Makes a resounding pop as I unhinge the swingtop. Served in a crystal snifter. Deep chestnut color with a brown foamy head that rises up a half inch and settles down very quickly. Aroma of roasted malt and cocoa, some charred bark, tangy cherry and bourbon. Flavor is similar to the aroma, but understated, with roasty smokey malt, some cocoa and burnt wood. Some brown sugar and molasses comes through. The high ABV doesn't take over, doesn't really warm, it's almost hard to believe that it's really 11%. Finishes a little tannic and powdery, with lingering smokey cherry tang. Slick and watery mouthfeel, not much carbonation. Would like this to be fuller and richer. Fairly drinkable, but would be better if it were more complex. Also a continuing pet peeve of mine with this brewer - stop giving all your beers the same few names. We already know Ten Penny as another style, so when you make a new style, give it a new name.