Hair of the Dog, Adam
Serving: 12oz bottle poured into pint glass
Style: Old Ale
ABV: 10%
Heard a lot of good things about this ale, but never took the plunge at the beer section. It is fairly expensive for a 12oz bottle of beer (I paid about 4.50 for it), but isn't too crazy compared to other beers in the style. North Coast's old ale will run you about 3.50 or so.
Pours smoothly with a nice brownish foamy head on it that lingers in the glass. Bring the glass up to my nose and don't really get a huge aroma from the brew. Some mild malty sweetness comes through though. The beer looks brown, but light will not pass through it...I attest this to the re-fermentation process that creates some yeasty sediment in the ale.
Taste is a blast of almost syrupy brown sugar taste that quickly morphs into a unique bitter resolution. The final burn in the back of my throat reminds me of the high abv of this beer. It's almost belgian in it's sweetness, but quickly gives off some earthy quality that embraces the bitterness. Each sip is quite a mouthful of flavor, and takes time to pick apart the subtle nuances.
Definately a beer you need to sip at and reflect upon, and wouldn't do well at your local friday night frat party. I must say it pairs quite well with lays sharp cheddar potato chips.
As it warms more chocolate flavor and fig/raisin sweetness comes out and joins the flavor party.
Final Verdict: A
-Really world class beer. Plenty of complexity, flavor, and character to make your beer drinking session memorable and delicious.
