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Alepocalypse

Alepocalypse by Southern Sky Brewing Co
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
87
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Description 

This loose interpretation of a Belgian ale has a huge chocolaty body that starts with a strong flavor of graham cracker, transitions into a dark plum and fig flavor, and finally finishes with a roasted dark chocolate and walnut.

After fermentation, we aged it in a Chocolate Rye Whiskey barrel from Kennesaw's own Lazy Guy Distillery for 3 months. This barrel aged version of the beer acquired flavors of chocolate, vanilla, oak and rye spices to perfectly complement the complex tones of graham cracker and chocolate.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
13.8
IBUs: 
25
Served at: 
50º
Judges Review 
Josh Weikert's picture
Judges Rating:
87
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Although it defies definition, this beer can best be described as a barrel-aged Belgian Dark Strong ale, with a touch of stout or Baltic Porter for inspiration -- however you define it, though, there's no doubt that it's a beer worth drinking. It was evaluated as a Wood Aged beer (BJCP category 33A), with a base style of Belgian Dark Strong Ale.  

Upon inspection, the beer is a deep, dark mahogany with no head and very little carbonation. I have to believe this is a technical fault, but it doesn't actually seem to hurt the beer that much (though I'd love to try it with a bit more CO2!). The first impression is stout-like, with dark chocolate and a moderate acetone ester up front, followed quickly by some warm (not hot) alcohols, a low dark fruit (currant, prune) note, and a raw wood aroma.  

The flavor is richly chocolaty, with a significant dose of ethanol adding an apple flavor (which could be an ester), a low oaky vanillin flavor, balancing bitterness (low-medium), and a surprisingly dry finish. It's sweet but not saccharine or cloying, and fairly heavy in the mouth (carbonation would help brighten the feel and scrub the palate).  

This is a very good beer that's almost great, and a nice addition to the "barrel-aged" section of the menu.

 

Brewery Introduction

Southern Sky Brewing Company is a 100% family owned and operated brewery. The one employee is our brewmaster, and he receives help from his wife and two sisters. We believe this not only makes us unique, but also gives us a special quality that we can bring to the Atlanta beer community. We do... Read More

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