Big Sky Brewing Company - Missoula, Montana USA
English Strong Ale (ABV 7.2%)

[Best served in a Trappist glass]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Aroma: 6/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 8/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 14/20

The pour was a hazy medium orange with an average sized (1-2 finger) white creamy head that diminished into a puddle of residue which in turn created streaking sheets of lacing.

The aroma was of a mild bread malt, pine hops and a sweet doughy yeast with notes of caramel, toffee, coriander, a bit of clove and just a touch of alcohol.

The taste was malty and mildly sweet with notes of caramel and toffee early on and then progressed into a nice bitter hoppy flavor that had notes of some dark fruit and spices with a hint of alcohol at the end. The flavor lingered for a nice long time and left a nice spicy malty flavor on the taste buds.

Mouthfeel was medium in body and a tad watery in texture with a medium carbonation.

Overall a nice bold Winter Ale that had just the right amount of spices and a great hoppy finish.

Sampled: 1/10/2012