16oz can at the brewery, 2/22/14
Initial small, off-white head recedes to cover fairly rapidly. Liquid is a clear drab brown with light amber tints.
Soft vanilla is very well-reserved in the nose, as dry, fudgey notes represent the well-attenuated malts and just a touch of brown bread and toasted notes linger on the end. Little bit of pepperiness coming from somewhere, perhaps just some bittering hops as it’s pretty low on the aroma hops. Very nice though, and a good strength to the aroma without any alcohol or flaws.
Lightly sweet flavor shows off a chewy caramel and toffee with a light buttercream-like maltiness as well. Balancing dryness from a very light toasted malt and a touch of hop bitterness. Vanilla is again, very tempered in the flavor, but still noticeable. Carbonation is medium, fairly engaging providing for a drinkable beer. Really nicely done beer without anything being out of balance and all the flavors working very well together.