Prickly Moses Black Panther IBA
Thanks to Mr Kennedy for grabbing this. Poured into a Duvel tulip. Syrupy dark brown when poured against the light, glossy black in the glass with a dense finger-and-a-half of light coffee-coloured head. Lacing is very healthy indeed. Looks solid. Nose is sweeter and maltier than expected - more like a porter than an ABA. Used coffee-grounds are prominent, while musk and banana esters contribute a significant sweetness. Roasted malt pungency lifts things a bit. It's nice enough but not at all what I was anticipating. Taste bears even less resemblance to the nominal style. Gritty brewed coffee dominates again, with the bitterness soaring because the sweet character in the nose is somewhat muted. Hop character is hard to differentiate at first; bitter citrus rind and grapefruit gradually asserts. Bitterness is high and lasting, but seems to be more a product of the roasted malts than the hops. Carbonation is nice and smooth. Not sure about this. A bit hodge-podgey with both harsh and enjoyable aspects. Either the bitterness needs restraining or the contrasting elements need to be ramped up.