My first beer, one of the Wee Heavy's from Stephan! Here we go.
Tasting notes -
Stephanovich
WH -
A - dark and murky, and thankfully even less head retention than mine
Really though, I am sincerely relieved that mine aren't the only ones that aren't standing proud.
S - Caramel and spice, anise, cinnamon? A little funk as well, subtle but there. A little oxidized note, not unpleasant, certainly not cardboardy but maybe vanilla, hard to sort it out from the oak. Definitely oaky.
T - oak, Cabernet, dried fruits particularly cherries, caramel, spice, there is that light hint of oxidation. Not a bad thing in a beer like this at all. A slight tartness and cider quality, though very subdued. The tartness contributes to the cherry suggestion. Very little booze for the strength, and a touch of fruity esters. Rather like a fruitcake now that I think of it. Updated to add that a half hour later my mouth is still just packed with flavor from this. I want to say I'm getting clove and a little smoke.
M - thick and viscous, chewy, maybe a little slipperiness but hard to tell with such a full bodied beer. A real stand your spoon up number. Just enough fizz to lighten the body somewhat. Very much like my own in that regard.
OA - a fine example and delicious beer. There was a definite oxidation note but I don't consider this a negative thing in a beer like this given the strength and age. I've been smelling and tasting a I write and I think I should have had a snack before I drank because now I'm tipsy
packs a wallop. The only criticism I would have is that the bottle what somewhat sludgy, but then it only sat in the fridge for a couple days after traveling. I promise I'll give the others more time! I would definitely be proud to share this beer with friends, and I'm excited to try the others. More than anything this made me want to try another one of mine, because it's really hard to evaluate your own beer, and I don't know why. This definitely shared a lot of the same elements. Cheers!