Advent begins, but no calenbeer for me this year. There are some available, but even the most exotic looking ones are full of pale ales and/or lagers! It’s Christmas for chrissake! Isn’t it time for strong, dark, warming beauties? This year I’m collecting my own calenbeer, to ensure I’m not disappointed with anything. Well, since I like to try new things I guess I could be disappointed by something, but at least it won’t be the style. So, despite that little whine, my first beer isn’t even a stout or porter, but a barleywine. Hey, it’s strong, it has a seasonal kind of feel to it, it’s not a pale damn ale! This particular barleywine is a Sanfrutos creation, in a can that reminds me quite a bit of Garage designs. Maybe they share an artist. Maybe there’s some cross-pollination. Hopefully nobody comes to blows over Puñales.
Well, I didn’t promise myself black beers for my personal calendar, but it’s a pretty dark and toasty beer. Sort of a seared honey color with a sweet aroma that drapes itself in your nostrils. It’s the smell of Christmas liquors, I’d say, split between apple cider and rum. The taste is surprisingly subdued, not nearly as sweet and appley as I was expecting, much more woody in fact. Is there some oak involved? I’m getting more similarities to whiskey than to rum now. It also has a creamy kind of mouthfeel that I don’t associate with barleywines, but that makes it pretty easy to swallow without any syrupiness. The first calenbeer feels like a good start. I’m looking forward to what I have coming, and they might be a little less demanding than Beermas. But, you never know, do you?
Supplier: La Mundial
Price: €5.10
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