On draught at the brewery, 3/16/14
Lightly hazy black beer with a small, light beige head that recedes to cover.
Dark malts mix with citrusy hops in the nose to produce a good rendition of an orange flavored coffee, while the oak chips or barrel or whatever they use contribute a good toasty, very mildly buttery note that helps overshadow the hops, lending more of a porter-like feel to this beer. No tacky resins or huge alpha acid presence here.
Slightly hoppier in flavor, though the oak helps take some of the focus off of that, adding vanilla, touches of rum-like notes and plenty of toasted notes that mingle with the moderately roasty, rather chocolatey malt flavors. Light to moderate carbonation, mostly tight and a slightly oily texture make it easy drinking, while no alcohol or harsh bitterness persists on the finish. Fruitier as it warms. Nice! Good restraint on the barrel character and love to see the continued lack of overhopping in all of these guys beers.