Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale
Crystal clear deep garnet hue, covered by a tan, uniform, one fingered persistent head. Belgian lace is left. Festive aroma of spicy cinnamon and freshly grated ginger layered over dark caramel and dry cocoa. Trace earthy hop nose. Flavorwise, dark caramel malt sweetness upfront yields to combination of pronounced spicy melange of cinnamon and light spruce. Spiciness couples with underlying biscuit malt, lending an impression of frankincense and baked sugary biscuits mid palate. Chocolate malt undertone adds some complexity. The light hop bitterness leaves malt sweetness unhindered overall. A touch shy in body to support the rich spice and bready malt profile, but pleasantly smooth in mouthfeel. Subdued earthy and lightly woody hop flavor. Finishes w/ hints of burnt caramel and bread crust quickly fading. Old Fezziwig is a very enjoyable and certainly well spiced brew. With a greater malt presence this would be more balanced and thus more drinkable. Quite tasty, nonetheless.