The Bruery Aloha Friday

Big booze up front—pretty much just smells like whiskey—with underlying caramel and cola. More like top-shelf rum and coke—we’re pretty far outside the beer arena. Fairly sweet up front; dries out some and burns in the finish. Pour in a snifter and enjoy slowly.

**Aroma:** “Rich chocolate and high vanilla aromas (a full bean in every bottle?) with a touch of marshmallow. Vanilla starts to take over the aroma, with a medium alcohol note toward the back. Moderate cinnamon, light spicy note and light coffee. There’s a hint of roast underneath, but I have to dig my way through cream soda, white chocolate, and vanilla shortbread to find it.” **Flavor:** “High vanilla and moderate spiciness that extends into the aftertaste with medium roast notes. Light earthy hops and some light chocolate with a mildly roasted coffee in the background that becomes more prominent as I sample more. A nice alcohol warming at the end of the sip.” **Overall:** “A lot of vanilla! Dab some of this behind your ears before you go out, and your date will nuzzle you during the slow dances. It will probably get some people to try a stout, and that’s good.”

**Aroma:** “Bourbon! Burnt toast. I could just smell this all day … until I got thirsty. Great roast and nutty qualities with hints of coconut and awesome barrel character—big, boozy bourbon with loads of vanilla. Lots of oak, even with a touch of almond. Caramel malt sweetness and chocolate in excess.” **Flavor:** “Big bourbon notes with vanilla plus huge oaky tannins, chocolate, and caramel. Yeast character is subdued and clean. Hops are hiding in the wings. Tastes like Grandpa’s tobacco pipe smells—warm, comforting, and timeless. Definite bourbon and vanilla sweetness and oak character.” **Overall:** “Such a wonderful beer. The alcohol is no joke, but it’s rich, complex, and sweet. Barrel character complements and balances the base beer. The boozy quality helps to make this beer and builds in layers with the sweet vanilla, bourbon, and chocolate.”