Samuel Adams Wee Heavy (Imperial Series)
12oz bottle from Siciliano's Specialty Market in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pours a dark brown hue, basically black, with deep ruby edges, a sliver of cream-coloured froth, and several strands of lacing on the snifter. Good appearance for a high gravity brew. Smell is raisin, peaty smokiness, dark pit fruit (plum, red grape), fire wood, Scotch whisky, seaweed-like earthiness, yeast esters, and sherry. Intriguing aromas. Taste is raisin, red grape, and dark plum sweetness upfront, toffee and roasted malt mid-palate, very subtle peaty and earthy smokiness transitions to a mild bitterness with some burnt wood on the cough. Rich, satisfying flavours. Mouthfeel is full side of medium bodied, higher than average carbonation, moderate bitterness precedes a drying finish with a little heat in the throat. Overall, Samuel Adams Wee Heavy is a balanced and warming sipper with an enticing smokey character. While the palate is a little thin for the style, it also increases the drinkability (took me an hour to finish vs. ~ two hours for most 10% brews). I would recommend this beer to anyone who enjoys Highland whiskies and bold, contemplative scotch ales.