Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale
Pours a deep amber color with a slight reddish hue. Offers up a thin, rather paltry off white head. A slight collar is left after it's quick evaporation. Strong fruit and caramel notes, actually has a bit of a tawny port aroma. Pronounced sweetness that some could find too strong, but I like it. The taste is kind of funky, with a strong oaky character atop roasted caramel and a bit of pine resins. Husky sharpness in the finish wrapped in a slight bitterness. Decent smoke component as well. This brings to mind clenaing out the fireplace, with a bit of smoke in the throat to accompany the sooty coating on the tongue and gritty mouthfeel. Feels like wintertime on the farm once again. I hated wintertime on that farm. This beer smells great, leaves a bit to be desired on the taste. Another slightly better than average offering from Boston Beer.