Blindman Brewing Belgian Dark Strong Age in Port Barrels – Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 9.7% ABV (C$14.76 at Collective, 500 ml, packaged on 25-Jan-2020, acquired 24-Jan-2020, reviewed 10-Feb-2020)
Appearance: clear ruby brown with a large fizzy loose beige head, good retention and moderate chunky lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tawny port, raisins, field berries, oak, brown sugar, ginger, spices. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, moderate tart. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry medium tart warming finish. (4/5)
Any beer with this big an ABV can’t help but be a bit of a beast, but it’s actually less boozy than I expected it be. Lots of port character, though, along with raisin sweetness and berry tartness. Had to ding the appearance score, though, for the loose fizzy head and the gusher upon decapping. (The relatively light body and higher than normal carbonation could just as easily be a basis for a lower score, especially since but really none of this issues is a big problem so I decided not to over-penalize.) (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
