Tonight was the night.
Sadly, I don't have a tulip glass, but I do have a traditional pub pint glass. It had to do.
Grabbing my church key, I removed the cap. The fragrance issued forth right away, even before decanting. This is definitely fresh stuff!
Tilting my glass and inserting the neck of the bottle partially inside, I slowly allowed the dark, chocolate-colored fluid to pour into it. As the glass became two-thirds full, I turned it upright and finished with a nice head on top as the bottle was drained. There was no sediment that I saw, and even if there was, I had no concern about it.
Hyperception nearly started hyperventilating as he saw what I was pouring. But, this was sent to
me, so I got first dibs, haha!!
Bringing the glass to my nose, the frangrance once again hit me. What was it...? Lavender? Lavender!! At least to me. Then breathing deeply to maximize the fragrance, I took my first sip. As wonderful as this smelled, I was still slightly hesitant; I am not a beer drinker and generally stay far, far away from dark beers. But, in my hesitancy, I think I was hugely rewarded. Once in my mouth, I swirled the fluid around, just like I do with wine. All I can say is...
whoa...
The aroma filled my head, yet the underlying flavor... hmm...
I was told to expect chocolate overtones. I didn't get that. What I did get was a nice woody, nutty flavor, reminiscent of walnuts. This was one pint of beer I believe I would have finished.
Yet, it was not to be. I had promised to share with Hyperception, and wanted him to have some with the head on it. So, he had the next third or so while I not so patiently waited for him to return it to me.
Finally, he reluctantly gave it back. The fragrance in the glass was just as keen as when I first poured it out, the aroma once sipped also. I finished half again what was left, and returned it to Hyperception to do it proud.
The only thing that was slightly "off" for me was the aftertaste. For me, it was a little "soapy." That would be the best way to describe it. But, the next sip would wash that away. If only I had more...
What an experience. Thank you Malik for shipping it to me. I have never had a home brew before, and this was simply...awesome.
*bows*
So, he waited over two months longer than you did.