Beer Review: Adam (Batch 84)

Reviewing Adam from the Hair of the Dog Brewing Company.
Score: 93

Batch 84. According to Hair Of The Dog's vintage chart for Adam, Batch 84 was brewed on 10/11/11 and bottled on 01/12/12. vintage bottle served in a Goose Island silver goose Matilda glass and enjoyed on 01/19/12.

Appearance: Pours a deep chestnut brown color with two fingers of foamy khaki colored head that slowly receds to a thick and creamy layer. Amazing lacing with ridiculous cling. 5/5

Smell: Light vanilla, chocolate, leather and hops. A little bit of "vodka-like booziness" too. Light grains, malty caramel, a modest amount of "smokey banana" and a little dark fruit too. 4.25/5

Taste: A lot more smoke up front than the nose led on, but the amount of smokiness here is by no means approaching what you would expected from a smoke beer. There is oak, cocoa, spice, dark fruit and a little "musty" caramel malt. There is a subtle fruitiness present too with a mild alcohol warmth on the tongue. Complex and balanced. 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, medium carbonation, creamy mouthfeel. Dry finish. A little sweet. 4/5

Overall: A delicious, readily available old ale that is a little rough around the edges fresh. This beer is a prime candidate for aging.

Recommendation: Seek this one out.

Pairings: Dark chocolate.

Cost: $5.99 for a 12 oz bottle.