Nickel Brook Brewing Co. Cuvée 2016 Reserve Ale Spice / Herb / Vegetable at 10% ABV | 37 IBU (C$16.99 at Oak & Vine, 750 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 11-Mar-2017, reviewed 10-May-2018)
Appearance: clear ruby-tinged brown with a fat fluffy beige head, good retention and spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tart vinous, raisins, orange zest, bourbon, vanilla, earth. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, mild tart. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, mildly warming spicy finish. (4/5)
Smells a lot like a Flemish Brown, albeit with an overlay of bourbon and vanilla (which isn’t a criticism, by any means). Complex but nowhere near as dark as you might think based on the appearance, and surprisingly easy-drinking, especially given the ABV. Good stuff. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
