If you read the article that was posted about a month ago, you already have a good idea of how this beer came to be. If reading doesn’t sound appealing today (I feel like that a lot), there is a video below that explains the process more specifically for this beer. There are other videos out there if you are interested as well as a lot of information about the Palo Santo tree that was utilized to make the aging vessel for this beer.
This was another beer that I enjoyed quite a lot, but that had much more complexity than I was able to put into words. Definitely give it a try if you have the opportunity.
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware)
Name: Palo Santo Marron
Style: American Brown Ale
ABV: 12.0%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge, allowed to warm a bit and served in a pint glass (per Dogfish site recommendation). $3.99 for 12oz.
Aroma: Light aroma overall (from what I expected). Full, malty nose with some roasty/toasted notes. Sweetness that is caramel or brown sugar-like.
Appearance: Black in color (very, very, very dark brown). One finger, very thick, light coffee color head with great retention that leaves a trail. Opaque, even when held to light.
Flavor: Heavy, malty sweetness with no noticeable hops. Earthy, woodiness near finish that hangs on for a bit. Can tell that wood vessel aging was involved. Some dryness at finish.
Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate (to high) carbonation. Quite creamy and somewhat smooth. Warmth noticed at the end – back of mouth into the throat.
Overall Impressions: Really a lot going on here (more than I can pick out). It is similar to other barrel aged beers, but very different as well. A very good beer for sitting in front of a fireplace at the end of an evening or enjoying after dinner with a cigar. Would have served it in an oversized wine glass and likely will for the next time. High alcohol for style (4.3%-6.2%), if it actually belongs in this style.
Grade: A- (solid)
Pay attention to the video to see this on paper
Big sample, Little sample
Cool review. As for the beer back story – it really is interesting – especially the wood and how they made the barrels.