Muskoka Brewery Harvest Ale (2014) – American Pale Ale at 7.0% ABV (C$12.34 at NLC Stavanger, 750 ml, best before 30-Jan-2015, acquired 24-Sep-2014, reviewed 5-Apr-2022)
Appearance: clear deep amber with one fat finger of fine pale beige head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: toffee, hint of mustiness as it warms. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration warming finish. (4/5)
Hah – interesting experiment! I put this down for long-term ageing in 2014, thinking that the ABV might just be big enough to preserve it while it did something interesting, and it’s now 7 years after its best before. There are no hops at all left, and the aroma is almost all toffee. I say “almost” because as it warms, there’s a distinct but not entirely unpleasant cellar mustiness. It’s also darkened at least 3 shades compared to the 2013 vintage I had when fresh, and probably completely violates the brewer’s intent of making something reminiscent of a fresh-cut harvest – but for all that it’s actually still drinkable. No regrets! (15/20)
This will be my 5,273rd unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com