American Strong Ale / Brown Ale - 10.2% ABV
Appearance: Life and Limb is dark brown/black with a modest head, but it doesn't recede much. Lacing sticks to the glass nicely.
Smell: Dark fruit, caramel, a bit of wood/earth, and some roasted character as well.
Taste: Like the aroma, but more complex. The fruit is there, with caramel and brown sugar, which to me are both more dominant than the maple that is supposed to be added to the beer. The alcohol is present but not overly dominant, and there are traces of chocolate and even a touch of liquorice. The birch addition provides a slightly smoky quality, but it is not overwhelming.
Mouthfeel: Fairly heavy, with warming from the alcohol, but not too thick or cloying.
Overall: This was a very pleasant, warming beer to drink in the fall/winter months. Both the aroma and the taste have nice complexity, and there is some uniqueness in the taste character due to the birch. I'd definitely get this if I saw it again, and I'd also be interested in aging for this one. It drinks very well fresh, but I'd love to try it after a few years as well. It's not an absolute favorite overall, but a great beer.
4/5
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