Draught at the brewery, 10/23/16.
Light mahogany, rather hazy-to-lightly-muddy with amber hues and a light beige head atop showing moderate retention for the style.
Spicy herbs in the nose (big surprise) with a strong earthiness, light caramel, rum, raisin and comfrey root. Almost a sweet licorice character, as well. A hint of citrus rind on the end, with black pepper and more sweet malts. No alcohol or flaw.
In the mouth it’s less astringent than most of their gruits, and not sour, with an easygoing spiciness that balances the lightly sweet malts easily. Lots of earthy notes, yellow fruits and more sweet licorice. A more dry finish replete with apple-like esters, white pepper, vanilla and butter (not diacetyl). As usual, my powers of description fail when faced with most of Earth Eagle’s beers, but suffice to say, they’re almost always top-notch. Light but very engaging carbonation, no alcohol or flaw.