★ Review: Hill Farmstead Madness and Civilization #2

   AROMA 7/10   APPEARANCE 5/5   TASTE 9/10   PALATE 5/5   OVERALL 18/20

I think I had 4 of these and bought this in June. I have started waiting at least 90 days before opening Hill Farmstead’s 10%+ Stouts. I know Shaun releases them when ready but after tasting some cellared beers with friends or at Shaun’s festivals, I think this is a good choice. I was tempted to do this side-by-side with 2013’s Damon and its Port / Bourbon counterpart but decided against it especially since I’m opening this at 11PM on a Monday. Enjoyed in a Hill Farmstead glass at exactly 59 Degrees F. full Pour and #ProperGlassware

A – Out of the glass, completely black, yet some amber translucent hues. A 2 finger espresso creme head forms and fades to a thin line. Pitch black in the glass but not oily in appearance. It gives no indication that this is high on the residual sugars and that’s a good thing.

S – Creamy oats, huge fresh ground coffee, some very dark chocolates, figs and raisins.For some reason, I’m not getting a huge nose from this. I could be stopped up.

T – Well damn. This beer has it all. Having had almost all of HFS’ dark beers that were publicly released, this beer has every component that I love. I’ll try my best to list them with a big smile on my face. Toasty / Roasty almonds and walnuts. Blackberries and Currants, Oily espresso and creamy latte. Heavily charred oak with coconut and vanilla. Acidic Florida grown pecans and a touch of marmalade sweetness to go with the oak and figs that hit you at the finish.

M – This has the mouthfeel of a bottle conditioned beer. Not overwhelming carbonation but has the notes that bring out the additional flavors. There’s a sticky candy like consistency as you swish around and a tingle in the gums with heavy swishing. Leaves behind cold brewed but slightly harsh day-old coffee at the finish.

O – Well, I’m glad to have waited on this one. Not that I know if it improved or not but this is a beer I’ll keep revisiting every 3-4 months until I don’t have any left. It’s very good and I’m glad to have enjoyed this bottle solo. The next one will indeed be shared with friends.