Beer: Palo Santo MarronBrewery: Dogfish Head, Milton, Delware
ABV: 12%
Style: Brown Ale
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12 oz
Impression: Its a bit unnecessary to state this given that Dogfish Head concocted this brew, but from the first sniff I realized I was in for a unique experience. The aroma reminds me of a homebrew combined with hints of a mild bourbon. This piqued my curiosity, only to further arouse it as the deep black color gave way to a roasted caramel hued head that quickly receded. Waxing bold, a large first sip engulfed my palate and almost buckled my senses. Lurking within this black broth lies a complex giant that initially obfuscated my palate. Strong malty notes are pervasive and almost overshadow softer caramel accents. Somewhere in there I also detect a dark cherry or maybe currant flavor. The finish yields a sustained malt base that primes you for the woody flavor resulting from the cask conditioning in Palo Santo barrels. At the tail end of this marathon finish the high alcohol content makes its appearance. Upon exhaling, it is synonymous with the feeling of breathing out a fine cognac.
Overall this is a well crafted beverage. However, I won't put it in my normal rotation for a few reasons. The extremely malty finish is too syrupy and leaves my palate bogged down. I don't want to rush right back for another sip and almost have to will myself to do so. In my opinion the best part of an ale is the refreshing and revitalizing experience that keeps you coming back for that next sip. It shouldn't be me vs. brew. Then there is the price. I understand all that went into making this but, at $16 / 4 pack I am discouraged. Don't get me wrong this is a good beer with some great components but, I think it is an experience best enjoyed once a year...like fruit cake.
1 comment:
I appreciate your review and your writing style, I question your relationship with beer. How long have you been enjoying the more subtle qualities of beer? As you taste, drink, review and discuss the elements of beer, flavors that were once far over your head, become more familiar and less in your face. This beer is not too over the top in my opinion, though I have only tasted this once.
If you are discussing price, you are drinking a beer at 12% alcohol. $4 a beer. You would gladly pay $4 for a 5 oz glass of wine. This is a 12oz beer, more than twice the volume and nearly the same alcohol.
Enjoy some bigger beers like Odells Sabatour, Avery Samael, Russian River Supplication or Pliny the Elder and you will see that these flavors will start to bring you back for more over time.
Cheers
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