Terrapin Beer Company - Athens, Georgia USA &
Shmaltz Brewing Company - San Francisco, California USA
American Brown Ale (ABV 7.6%)

[Best served in a Lager glass]

Rating:3.4/5.0

Aroma: 8/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 7/10
palate: 3/5
Overall: 13/20

The pour was a murky dark brown with a slight mahogany hue and a thick frothy light brown head that dissipated slowly down to a layer of fluffy residue that puddled on top and lasted throughout, which created some really excellent sheeting of lace on the glass.

The aroma was upfront with a strong alcohol scent followed by a dark roasted malt and a sweaty doughy yeast with notes of chocolate, vanilla, roasted coffee, some dark fruit and a peppery spice (probably from the chili's).

The taste was mildly sweet and very malty with hints of chocolate and vanilla at first and then had a nice dose of coffee and dark fruit take hold with a pronounced peppery finish. The flavor lasted a short while after the swallow leaving behind a chili pepper bite to linger on well after everything else faded.

Mouthfeel was medium in body and a bit oily and quite creamy in texture with a soft carbonation.

Overall definitely a different twist on a brew, bold tasting with a surprising spicy finish.

Sampled: 1/19/2012