~ Initial Tasting ~
November 19th, 2004
Click on a photo for Tasting Notes

Steve Wagner President & Brewmaster	Lee Chase Head Brewer	Greg Koch Chairman & CEO

Arlan Arnsten Vice President of Sales	Chris Cochran Marketing & Promotions	John Egan Guest Taster Packaging Supervisor

('03 Vertical Epic and '04 Vertical Epic also tasted during this session)

Steve Wagner President & Brewmaster

Appearance:

Dark mahogany, clear with a pale yellow head.

Aroma:

Big, resiny, pine/citrus hop aroma --- very green!

Flavor:

Big, syrupy malt flavor that starts out candy sweet before being walloped by hop bitterness and flavor! Hop breath and alcohol in the finish.

Palate:

Full bodied, with thick coated mouthfeel. Carbonation is verging on low.

Overall:

Huge. Disparate flavors and aromas will need some time to meld.

Lee Chase Head Brewer

Appearance:

Poured with caution!

Aroma:

Wow…that's a change (we tasted this right after the '03 & '04 Vertical Epic Ales). From delicate to Pow! Aroma carries a bit of yeastiness & autolysis through on some hops. Not a lot of malt, but some sweetness as it warms. Lots of hops!

Flavor:

A nostril heater! Malty, sweetness from burnt sugar…heat. Lots of hops, but not “tongue scrapingly” over done. Lingering bitterness, but without the dry astringent texture.

Palate:

Medium body and drinkable for this high alcohol of a beer.

Overall:

Really tasty. I'd like to finish that bottle in my backyard over the course of a few hours and a (controlled) fire.

Greg Koch Chairman & CEO

Appearance:

Deep, deep reddish brown with a light brown head.

Aroma:

Rush of malty hops, or hoppy malts, and alcohol. Causes the nose hairs to stand up and take notice!

Flavor:

Bam. Big hops. Hmmm…scratch that. I meant to say BIG meaty, juicy, succulent hops. Meatiness all around. This is like aged Kobe beef, yet Vegan approved!

Palate:

All the classic ale attributes apply…in spades. Chewy, fruity, hoppy, malty, and robust.

Overall:

Big changes as it warms. Multiple personalities, from bordering psychotic to all friendly and warm to suddenly mean and vindictive to your new best, baddest friend. “Wow, I'm really feeling the alcohol on this,” say Arlan!

Arlan Arnsten Vice President of Sales

Appearance:

Crystal deep, dark, dastardly amber with a tan, tight, lacy head. Appropriate carbonation for the style…that would be, uh, Double Bastard Ale style!

Aroma:

Big malt and hops (like opening a 'fridge full of hops). Citrusy hops, like grapefruit, with a mix of dry cherries.

Flavor:

Tart grapefruit. Malt & hops --- that's about it.

Palate:

Big mouthfeel…fills every space in my mouth with body. Alcohol warmth.

Overall:

Tastes great and not less filling!

Chris Cochran Marketing & Promotions

Appearance:

Deep brownish/red. CO2 seems good, but is flowing slowly…the thick-like viscosity of the beer is apparent.

Aroma:

Hops! Alcohol! The malt sweetness comes out as it warms and it is a little Earthy like something in my Grandpa's garage…just not sure what!

Flavor:

Thick caramel, resiny and sweet. Nice warming effects from the alcohol and reminds me of a maturing fruit…like a sherry or port.

Palate:

Coats the tongue, has a nice bite, and the sweetness blends nicely with the bang of the hops.

Overall:

Very young. Super interesting, especially after just tasting the 03.03.03 and the 04.04.04, but looking forward to trying more!