Category: 26D. Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Brewer: SheppyBrew Home Brewery
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 9%
IBU (International Bitterness Units): 25
SRM (Standard Reference Method): 16
Appearance: Pours a deep, dark mahogany with ruby highlights. A generous, creamy tan head crowns the beer, leaving intricate lacing as it slowly recedes. The beer's clarity is excellent despite its dark color, with a slight haze typical of the style.
Aroma: The aroma is rich and complex, featuring notes of dark fruit such as raisins, figs, and plums, intermingled with caramel, toffee, and molasses. Subtle hints of spice, clove, and mild phenolics from the Belgian yeast add depth. A faint earthy and floral hop presence is detectable, balancing the malt sweetness.
Flavor: The flavor profile is a delightful harmony of malt complexity and yeast character. Prominent flavors of dark fruit (raisins, dates, figs) meld with rich caramel, toffee, and a touch of chocolate. The Belgian yeast imparts spicy clove, pepper, and slight bubblegum notes. A mild bitterness from the hops provides balance, ensuring the beer is not overly sweet. The finish is long, warming, and pleasantly dry.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied with a smooth, velvety texture. The carbonation is moderate to high, lending a lively effervescence that lifts the rich flavors. The alcohol warmth is noticeable but well-integrated, contributing to the beer's overall depth and complexity.
Overall Impression: Kemosabe Quad is a masterful interpretation of the Belgian Dark Strong Ale style, showcasing the intricate interplay between malt, yeast, and hops. Its rich, multi-layered flavors and aromas make it a perfect sipper for contemplative moments or pairing with hearty, savory dishes.
Story of Kemosabe Quad
In the heart of the rugged Colorado mountains lies the secluded town of Tappvale, a place known to only a few. Hidden from the prying eyes of the world, Tappvale is home to a community of Gnome Monks who have lived in harmony with a local family of yeti for generations. Together, they have developed the recipe for a beer that warms the soul and body on the frigid mountain nights—Kemosabe Quad.
The Gnome Monks, led by the wise and jovial Brother Thistlewort, were skilled in the ancient art of brewing. They had long sought to create a beer that embodied the rich flavors and warmth needed to endure the harsh winters of Tappvale. Their quest for the perfect recipe led them to seek the help of their yeti neighbors, known for their deep connection to the land and its natural ingredients.One snowy evening, as the wind howled through the valleys and the stars twinkled in the clear night sky, Brother Thistlewort and his fellow monks gathered around the hearth with the yeti family. The patriarch of the yeti, a gentle giant named Grumph, shared stories of their ancestors and the secret ingredients passed down through the ages.
With Grumph's guidance, the Gnome Monks discovered the unique combination of dark fruit, caramel, and spices that would form the backbone of Kemosabe Quad. They foraged for ingredients in the dense forests and snowy peaks, gathering raisins, figs, and plums, along with wild honey and local spices. The yeti's keen senses helped them locate the perfect balance of earthy and floral hops to complement the malt sweetness.
As the monks and yeti brewed the beer together, the air filled with the rich aroma of bubbling wort and roasting malt. The communal effort and shared knowledge resulted in a brew that was both complex and harmonious, a true testament to the bond between the Gnome Monks and their yeti friends.
When the first batch of Kemosabe Quad was finally ready, the entire town of Tappvale gathered to celebrate. They raised their mugs in a toast to friendship, tradition, and the warmth of a well-crafted beer. The deep, dark mahogany ale with its creamy tan head and intricate lacing quickly became a beloved staple in Tappvale, savored by all on the coldest of nights.
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