Velvet Merlin - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Augustiner719

Connecticut

3.98/5  rDev -2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

opened this one up tonight thanks to a very generous, but still not confirmed (probably overlord) BA who sent me a random package tonight.

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a standard pint glass. Pours a really nice deep dark brownish black color with an off white 1 finger head that leaves behind a ring of foam as the drinking session progresses. there is a very distinct raisin aroma coming through on this that reminds me of having oatmeal with syrup and raisins on top. really nice roasted malty aromas coming through as well. the flavor is nice and balanced. really has a good upfront sweetness that lends itself to a balanced, and even slightly dry finish. some astringent dryness on the backend, but the transition from front to mid to back palate is flawless and really gives a nice experience. the mouthfeel is nice as well. nothing crazy and i would have liked it a bit less carbonated. near perfect body on this, not overly thin even for the low abv. Drinkability is right up there with the best. has a nice low abv, sorta, and really easy to go down. perfect for this time of the year and I would love to get my hands on some more. Worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2011 02:30:06 | More by Augustiner719

lighthabit

Oregon

3.7/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

never really cared for this one before, always had a hint of dull, dry, bitter, but tonight i opened one that's been sitting in the fridge for a while, and the hint above is not there, it's picked up a hint of chocolate/licorice, and it's creamy, much nicer feel than before. tonight was straight from the bottle, but in the past, poured in a glass. color is typical dark. one i'll revist . . .

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2013 06:29:17 | More by lighthabit

spark3148857

New York

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-20-2013 21:17:00 | More by spark3148857

touchmeimsac

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-20-2013 17:35:10 | More by touchmeimsac

InVinoVeritas

Wisconsin

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-19-2013 12:12:55 | More by InVinoVeritas

Sokool

Washington

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-19-2013 02:57:19 | More by Sokool

Photekut

Azerbaijan

3.25/5  rDev -20%

05-18-2013 22:15:36 | More by Photekut

510a

Washington

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-18-2013 05:25:18 | More by 510a

ElizabethEleanor

Texas

4.75/5  rDev +17%

05-18-2013 03:53:35 | More by ElizabethEleanor

rdooley

Texas

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-17-2013 22:26:57 | More by rdooley

BarrelAgedBrian

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-17-2013 04:05:05 | More by BarrelAgedBrian

dan027

Pennsylvania

2/5  rDev -50.7%

05-17-2013 02:35:24 | More by dan027

verge

California

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%

05-16-2013 21:58:57 | More by verge

MinorThreat

Colorado

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-16-2013 02:40:14 | More by MinorThreat

Zbeetleman

California

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

05-15-2013 02:37:19 | More by Zbeetleman

Absolut

California

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-14-2013 17:52:55 | More by Absolut

prock180

Arizona

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-13-2013 23:39:37 | More by prock180

vitese

California

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

05-13-2013 17:47:50 | More by vitese

EROCK75

Illinois

3.5/5  rDev -13.8%

05-13-2013 15:53:16 | More by EROCK75

ControlledBurn

Illinois

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-13-2013 03:55:13 | More by ControlledBurn

IPeteA91

Texas

3.5/5  rDev -13.8%

05-12-2013 22:36:34 | More by IPeteA91

blackie

Virginia

4.1/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

single from Wilbur's, Fort Collins

a: served in a short chalice, all that’s on hand in the hotel, deep stained brown in color, khaki head with average retention

s: the nose opens with grainy graham crackers and earthy roasted malt, woody coffee, subtle hints of smoke, toasted oat breads, mild earthy hops, qutie nuanced for a roast product - simple at first whiff, but there's a lot to dig into here

m: carbonation gentle, light-moderate, with a medium body, easy on the palate with a slight creaminess

t: toasted grains grace the palate with flavors of earth, nuts, coffee, smoke and wood - delicate and balanced, only slight burnt sugars present, hops earthy and impart a mild bitterness to the finish that lingers with a slight smoky roast note

o: very nice oatmeal stout that's incredibly drinkable, well balanced while showcasing the roasted malts and oats without interruption

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 15:46:02 | More by blackie

CesarLopes

Illinois

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-11-2013 03:48:36 | More by CesarLopes

Jessenimmo

California

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-11-2013 02:26:21 | More by Jessenimmo

mikeburd1128

New Jersey

3.5/5  rDev -13.8%

05-10-2013 22:14:48 | More by mikeburd1128