AleSmith Wee Heavy
Deep and clear upon the first pour. Brown and ruby highlights. Moderate carbonation and a three finger tannish head that has great retention, falling slowly to a ring. A good smell that at first seems to hide the alcohol well but it comes through more toward the end. Certainly a sweetness to it. Caramel, toffee, brown sugar, even a touch of chocolate. Some hints of darker fruit and oak/vanilla. Just a bit of booze creeping in. Taste is very nice and has quite a bit of character. A definite peatiness to it that I really didn't note in the smell. It's not one of the most evident flavors but provides a sense of balance and character to the beer. The sweet malts are still here, decadent and not syrupy. A very smoothly carbonated beer and silky smooth in the mouth. Never overly full or thick, just right in my book. A very flavorful and bold version of a Wee Heavy, just as you'd imagine from an American brewery. I can't say it's the most drinkable thing in the world but I handled this 750ml with no worries. Can't say I'd have any more than that. I owe abankovich a huge thank you for the TIF winning package...quite generous to say the least.