Brooklyn - Dark Matter

Brooklyn Dark Matter
Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn, NY
7.50% ABV

C. Clear for being so dark
H. Dark Brown
N. Vanilla, Brown Sugar, light boozey scent, pretty mild nose (possibly from the growler)

Eduardo; Brooklyn Dark Matter 8.5 % ABV 98 Rating RB 87 to style brown ale aged 4 months in Woodford Reserve bourbon barrels.
The color is lighter then I expected for a brown ale. I have seen darker brown ales. On the nose I am getting light notes of vanilla, alcohol, and brown sugar. On the palate I also get vanilla & light sweet bourbon notes. No detectable hop presence. This is a very approachable beer. This would be a good introduction to bourbon barrel aged beers or for someone looking for a sweeter beer. It leaves a light lacing on the glass. I think this would pair nice with a New York style cheesecake or try making homemade ice cream with it. I believe I set my expectations too high for this beer. I expected a bolder, more flavorful beer. I had a similar experience with Black OPS so I shouldn't be all that surprised. The folks at Brooklyn do a great job writing up releases such as this on their website. Too good if you ask me.
Score: 3.25

The Ferm; Well I found out that a total of 5 barrels made it into the state of this beer and went crazy trying to find it. Ended up driving about an hour and fifteen minutes north to get a growler of it. I was pretty much giddy as a little school girl when I had it in my hands. Well a week removed from that situation and several tries of this beer later (from other friends growlers), I decided to crack my growler open for a review. Don't get me wrong this is a very well put together beer. It is light on the body, and easy to drink several in a sitting. The sweetness is very good and balanced in the body of the beer. Although looking back I feel like I was taken advantage of by a great marketing scheme and Beer Hype. If you can try this beer! But I don't think I would recommend driving over 130 miles (round trip) just for it.
Score: 3.89

Overall; 3.57