NOTES: Bottle @ Monk’s Cafe in Philly
STYLE: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
ABV: 9%
APPEARANCE: Dark, cloudy amber
HEAD: Thin beige head that fades away quickly
LACING: Splotchy lace all over the glass. Very nice.
NOSE: Burnt sugar and cocoa, molasses, dark stone fruits, a whiff of alcohol noseburn, and a nice, toasted oak backdrop.
TASTE: Excellent mix of big, fruity flavors (dates, figs, plums, and prunes) and subtle sweetness (candi sugar, caramel, and toffee). A touch of alcohol in the finish cleanses the palate. Although Russian River is best known for their hop-bombs, the Salvation proves that the brewery is nothing if not diverse.
MOUTHFEEL: Full-bodied, but not heavy. Silky-smooth and well-carbonated.
DRINKABILITY: Super drinkable…but I’m a sucker for Russian River. I’ve never had anything that was less than superb from the fine folks in Sonoma.
RATING: 3.5 Hops