Total Eclipse - Brewmaster Jack

jacksback

Massachusetts

4.09/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Random find at a local shop from a local brewer I've never heard of. Go figure.

Looks good enough. Thick, heavy looking opaque black with a nice persistent tan head.

Nice aroma too, though on the mild side. Roasty burnt grains, toasted pumpernickle bread, and some notes of mild cocoa.

This is entirely working out to be a pleasant surprise. Solid, enjoyable flavor. Toasty, big grain flavor. Rye is noticeable in a bit of peppery sharpness mostly on the back end. Mild bittersweet chocolate notes. No significant sweetness, all the flavors are well balanced.

Light on the mouth feel, almost bordering on thin. Works though- the flavors come through really well without a big heavy mouthfeel getting in the way. Noticeable carbonation helps that too. Pretty clean finish.

Overall, this beer is a really nice surprise. Having never seen this beer on the shelf before, I didn't really expect much. But this is a solid, enjoyable beer that entirely delivers.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 01:21:14 | More by jacksback

ppoitras

Massachusetts

3.89/5  rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle purchased as a single from Yankee Spirits, Sturbridge, MA. Bottled on Dec 11, 2012.

Poured into an imperial pint, formed a 1/2" dark brown head over the opaque dark brown/black brew. Head fades pretty quickly, with sticky lasting lace. Aroma is dark malts and anise.

Taste is dark sweetness upfront, chocolate with a touch of tart in the middle, and then coasts through to the close with some moderate citrus bitterness. Mouthfeel is smooth, and drinkability is nice. Maybe not the big scary porter the name might indicate, but a good brew.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2013 00:37:46 | More by ppoitras

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

Two finger, frothy head. The liquid is nearly black. No light shines through on the edge. A cross between blanket and ring lace comes from each sip.

Smooth dark chocolate with cream for the nose. Some coffee notes (comes across as mocha). Not bitter.

The taste has more of a burnt flavor than the smell indicates. This makes the beer more bitter even though I don't detect any hop presence. The beer is dry as the rye monicker would lead one to envision. The body is on the thin side and the elevated carbonation enhances this impression.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 00:06:06 | More by smcolw

Beericjb

Connecticut

4.09/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a snifter.

A: 1-finger of creamy brown head which recedes to a thin film. Beer is extremely dark brown/black and opaque.

S: First smell I get is the chocolate, followed by the spicy notes from the rye and some smoke.

T: Similar to the smell. I get chocolate, spicy rye, and some smokiness. A little bitter from the hops. Leaves a nice smoky aftertaste.

M: Smooth, creamy, with a dry finish.

O: A really interesting and delicious beer. I really liked Ambrewsia, so I figured I would give it a try, and am not disappointed. For $4.95 a bomber, it was a great buy.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 04:51:05 | More by Beericjb

PeterIngemi

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22oz bottled on dec 1 2001. Described as a chocolate rye porter w/lactos.

A: pours a true to its name black w/ a nice two fingers of coffe colored head. Nice retention and very nice lacing... Looks delicious.

S: a nice milky coco with a slightly roasty hint, along with a touch of grainy rye.

T: the rye grain really steps out a bit in the taste, some roasty coffe notes with chocolate and rye. Really like the way all the ingredients work together here. Touch of hops towards the end. Nice!

M: on the slightly heavy side of medium bodied w/ a very nice dryness, the lactose gives it a nice creamyness at the same time. Dry chewy finish. Medium crisp carbonation.

O: I like this brew, I've never had a lactose porter before, and I really like the way it all and together here with the chocolate and the rye and dry body... Very tasty, give this one a chance if you get the opportunity.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 06:23:02 | More by PeterIngemi