New Holland Dragon's Milk Oak Barrel Ale - New Holland Brewing Company

rtratzlaff

North Carolina

4.63/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This pours a clear black with ruby highlights all around the glass. A decent looking pour. Plenty of ecru head atop the body. The aroma is sweet bourbon oak along with plenty of malt. The flavors burst on the tongue with coconut quite strong from the bourbon barrels. The oak quality really stands out. Though this is classified an American strong Ale, I would call it a Bourbon Stout without the body. Tons of vanilla and bourbon characteristics are omnipresent. This is one awesome tasting beer. The mouthfeel is lighter than most, but the abv of 10% probably lightens it up a bit. The only thing that would improve with this is possibly a fuller mouthfeel, but I could care less since it is so amazing in the flavor department. If you like the taste of anything oaked, you will love this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2009 12:59:38 | More by rtratzlaff

DoubleSimcoe

New York

4.63/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Dragon's Milk on tap at Bob's Bar in Columbus, Ohio. Served in a snifter glass.

Appearance: Beautiful black, huge fluffy head.

Smell: Oaky for sure. Some vanilla. Roasty aromas. Smells like a barrel!

Taste: Very rich and complex. It hits you with sugars, dark chocolate, milk.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, somewhat creamy. Right carbonation and great body.

Drinkability: Very good. A sipper, but a great one. Easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2010 21:30:30 | More by DoubleSimcoe

brew3crew

Ohio

4.63/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the new holland restaurant

A-pitch black with a moca head that retains
S-oaky under tones. Smells very sweet
T-very smooth chocolate. Almost tastes like a mudslide or chocolate milk
M-light bodied and very pleasant
D-very drinkable. The smoothness really impresses me here

Serving type: cask

02-05-2011 18:55:55 | More by brew3crew

yelterdow

New Jersey

4.6/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Served in the Duvel tulip for maximum taste and sniffage...

Appearance- Deep, clear, caramel cola with a head that rushes to the surface and surges with tightly packed bubbles. The off-white head explodes to 2 1/2 fingers and sticks well along the inside of the glass. The soapy crown looks like the suds in a car wash bucket, with iridescent colors and good, craggy lacing.

Smell- Porter-like caramel notes, with a nose of coffee with milk & sugar. A little mocha and vanilla comes through.

Taste- Complex and smooth as all hell... soft and mellow, then exploding with oak and vanilla. Dessert in a glass. An interesting lemony citric note, a brightness like when you squeeze lemon zest into a cup of espresso. The finish is dry and tart... really good. Refreshing, like a spritzy squeeze of lemon in a dunkelweisse.

Mouthfeel/Drinkability- Exquisite... light and smooth on the tongue, swelling perfectly in the mouth. Effortless and ridiculously drinkable for the style, very highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2006 04:02:54 | More by yelterdow

LauraAlberts

South Carolina

4.6/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Black with thin white head

Smell: Raisin, Bourbon, Coffee, & French Vanilla

Taste: Tobacco, Milk Chocolate, Liquorish, Coffee

Mouthfeel: Medium-Full Bodied with nice smooth tannins.

Drinkability: Drinks like a porter. Exceptional taste packed with flavor. Very enjoyable. I highly recommend.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2009 17:23:48 | More by LauraAlberts

rye726

Colorado

4.6/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I was quite impressed by this beer. A nice stout with a nicely balanced barrel presence. Good price at $15 four pack as well.

Pours a dark brown with a silky tan head.

Nose has bourbon, vanilla, oak, chocolate, roasty malts, coffee and dark pitted fruits.

Taste also has a nice whiskey presence along with wood, vanilla, cocoa, espresso, plums and cherries.

Full body is well carbonated. Nice bourbon presence through the finish.

Tasty stuff. Should age well.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2010 20:31:51 | More by rye726

MNJR

Illinois

4.6/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Delicious brew. The color is black with a lush tan head with good retention. The smell is rich and fantastic: vanilla, oak, coconut, cream, with a hint of alcohol lurking in the back. The taste is also rich and fantastic. All of the scents above come out fully in the flavor. Maybe it's the name, but the beer does seem to have a milky or creamy texture. It is thick, but not syrupy. Nice sharp, extra fine carbonation, not wishy-washy and somewhat flat like some dark/stout-ish beers. It is not a stout, but the similarities are obvious. The 9% ABV is noticeable, but not overdone. It's an added bonus that the beer is so good and with the ABV being so high just one or two is a full serving of this stuff (it is expensive). If you have access to this, it is a must try. It won't be for everyone, but if you like stouts and rich specialty beers, this is one you won't soon forget. This is, I think, the best thing to come out of New Holland Brewing, besides their whisky which is stupendously good.

Serving type: on-tap

10-17-2010 15:06:48 | More by MNJR

BeerFMAndy

Wisconsin

4.6/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

12 oz bottle poured into a New Holland imperial pint.
Vintage 2011, 23°P, 10% ABV, Pairings listed, F021 printed on the neck (June 02, 2011).

A - Clear and deep mahogany, ruby brown while pouring, Dragon's Milk relinquishes it's color for a deep, foreboding blackness in the pint. Topped by a thick khaki head with good retention, laces remains caked to the glass.

S - Maybe it's just the name playing tricks on me, but I get a lactose sweetness beside the milk chocolate and smooth roasted malt. Light charred oak accompanies the bourbon aroma so prevalent and sought-after in Dragon's Milk.

T - Robust and flavor-packed, Dragon's Milk features a complex malt profile of roasted notes like coffee, milk chocolate, and cocoa with smooth, more subtle oak and bourbon characteristics than the majority of other similar beers out there.

M - Smooth, supple, and full-bodied, Dragon's Milk has a nice level of carbonation that keeps it from being overbearing. Warm alcohol and mild roast bitterness (to balance) linger on the finish but remain in check so it doesn't become a booze-bomb.

O - New Holland's crowning jewel, Dragon's Milk, is rich and flavorful but not boozy nor potent to the point of being cloying. A perfect balancing act of malt sweetness, bitterness, and smooth alcohol, Dragon's Milk is great fresh and even more complex and deep with extended age. I recommend buying multiple bottles of each vintage to visit this real treat over time!

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2011 19:05:28 | More by BeerFMAndy

frazbri

Ohio

4.58/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Deep brown, almost black with ruby accents, creamy beige head with good lacing. Milk chocolate, coffee and port aromas. Chocolate, cherries with roast coffee finish. Full body, modest carbonation with creamy mouthfeel.

Dragon's Milk is a rich, fruity beer. The wooden barrel the beer aged in asserts itself as it warms. There is a good balance between sweet, bitter, and tangy elements. The high alcohol content is hidden very well, until you try to stand. New Holland is another fine Michigan brewery. Dragon's Milk is another beer to get you through a midwestern winter.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2005 01:03:20 | More by frazbri

wcudwight

North Carolina

4.58/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Pours a pitch black color. Frothy tan head rises and holds.
Smells of sweet milk chocolate and vanilla.
Taste like the chocolate soy milk (Silk). Mild bitterness with hints of vanilla. Nice coffee like finish.
Mouthfeel is creamy and smooth yet still big and bold.
Great drinkability for a 9% beer and if it were available here it would be a staple in my fridge.
Thanks to Enola for sharing a bottle.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2007 05:38:20 | More by wcudwight

saztheorybook

Louisiana

4.58/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had this on cask to New Holland; passed up some exotic pub-only beers to have it on cask, and I'm glad I did.

A: Jet black with only a little head and little retention or lacing. Surprising for a cask.
S: Pure vanilla bean and and boozy warm esters on the nose.
T: This is an insane and delicious demon on cask. It's almost like a vanilla vodka with a little bit of chocolate. There was not real hop character, but a lot of alcohol warmth. From front to back, though, this vanilla thing made cask Dragon's Milk a completely different experience.
M:Smooth and a little oily. Very nice. Almost like a three-quarters melted milkshake in the best way that can sound.
D: You have to remind yourself, hey, this is 9%. Slow down, enjoy it, and call it good.

Serving type: cask

05-25-2009 12:43:32 | More by saztheorybook

Avagadro

New Jersey

4.58/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: opaque in the glass. Only when held to the light do garnet highlight appear. There is a thin, creamy film that sis atop the pint.

S: bouquet is well presented with notes of vanilla, caramel, and nutmeg.

T: fantastic balance of a malty caramel body and oaky vanilla notes. Not much in the way of hops, but this brew doesn't need it. The oak. Stands on its own to balance this brew out.

M: one of the most creamy brews I've ever had. Thick and creamy, a perfect complement to this beer's robust flavors.

D: one of my favorites when I'm back in Michigan. One of the best barrel aged ales ever made.

Serving type: on-tap

11-25-2009 20:06:32 | More by Avagadro

mexikrainian

Ohio

4.58/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

22oz poured into a Stone tulip.

Appearance: black with thick, tan head and smooth lacing.

Aroma: malts, molasses, licorice, coffee, dark fruits, and chocolate.

Flavor: chocolate, sweet malts, licorice, syrupy and vanilla.

Mouthfeel: smooth, creamy texture that lasts from start to finish

Overall impression: phenomenal stout! can have two or three in one session.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2011 01:34:36 | More by mexikrainian

bcostner1

Tennessee

4.58/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: deep rich mahogany brown; almost looks like a snifter full of maple syrup, not a pitch black "stout" for sure.

S: bourbon, booze, dark fruits, vanilla, mild chocolate notes

T: amazing; fantastic melange of bourbon, vanilla, wood, maple, molasses; milder notes of milk chocolate; raisins, figs; mild boozy afterburn.

M: sticky, rich, satisfying; definite boozy element present but not offensively so; sipper for sure; really warming.

Overall awesome brew. Would definitely buy more of this as I find it.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2012 23:32:35 | More by bcostner1

Winter

Wisconsin

4.55/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours near black in color with garnet highlights near the bottom of the pint. Creamy brown head flattens to the surface of the body. A quick swirl revives it. Aroma consists of milk chocolate, roasted malt, barley and cream. As the ale warms a vanilla-like sweetness and just a hint of alcohol can be detected. Lovely full-bodied mouthfeel that's velvety smooth. Initial flavors consists of chocolate, rich malt and grain (barley). A slight hop bitterness cracks near the back of the tongue and breaks up the sweetness. The finish has hints of oak, vanilla and a ghost-like milk chocolate taste.

The alcohol is undetectable and Dragon's Milk is unbelievably smooth and drinkable for its 10% abv. Flavors from the oak aging are not quite as complex as I expected. I thought there'd be a greater presence of bourbon in the flavor profile, but I didn't pick up on that. Nonetheless, this is an awesome brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2003 14:52:38 | More by Winter

stouty1

Michigan

4.55/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Dragon's Milk poured a dark black with a deep ruby tint. Poured from a 750mL bottle into my snifter created a 1 inch head caramel in color. Leaves a nice creamy film along the side of the glass as it's inbibed.

Dark choclatey flavor with a hint of Bourbon. You can definitely taste the alcohol but, definitely not over powering. Leaves a nice malty aftertaste on the back of your tongue with a hint of something sweet. I am definitely enjoying this Stout and will get back to the store for more!

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2006 01:46:12 | More by stouty1

becktone

Ohio

4.55/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

From notes 11-8-08

Eye: Unfortunately this one lacks when it comes to the eyes. Nice deep red in color when light passes through it, dark ruby, otherwise it is a very dark brown. Head is non-existant. No lacing, bad head formation to begin with. 3

Nose: First thing I notice is the hugely complex boquet of aromas going on in this beer. Deep malt profile accented by notes from the bourbon barrels that this beer was aged in. Vanilla is upfront with some hints of coconut as well. An overall soft tone permeates the beer, a nice mellow, warm oakiness. Caramel is also present, giving rise to some malt aromas that work in conjunction with the bourbon aromas. Maybe some soft chocolate tones in the background as well.

Tongue: Really cool beer. Lots of flavor going on here. First thing I got was a smack of chocolate on the tongue, then some of the bourbon notes-vanilla and some oakiness. Really nice soft toffee and caramelly flavor weaves its way in there, inbetween chocolate and bourbon flavors. I'm almost tempted to claim that there is some lactose in there, the beer has a real smooth character and has some flavors that are associated with the addition of lactose. Alcohol is well hidden. Leaves the mouth with some oaky flavors. This is a real nice complex well rounded brew. Every sip brings something new out in the flavor, right now I'm getting strong bourbon notes-the buttery, warm vanilla like flavors of bourbon are playing in my mouth giving this beer an extremely long lasting flavor. This is by far the best beer that makes use of a bourbon barrel that I've had...and yes I think that it is better than Bourbon County Stout from Goose Island, there's just so much more bourbon here.

Mouthfeel and Drinkability: Extremely smooth on the palate and easy to drink. Sure I don't think that I'd quaff this, its definitely a sipper...It'd be great to warm up with on a cold winter night. Body is full and heavy, creamy with a velvet like smoothness. Carbonation is at a perfect level, low so as not to interfere with the smooth body. This is one that I'll definitely recommend to anyone. This is one I can easily see myself buying again.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2008 17:47:11 | More by becktone

sonicdescent

Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A very good looking beer, purchased from Vintage Estate in Boardman, though we do get it here, it was a hell of a lot cheaper there. Pours a thin looking but very dark red, may look black without light. the head is frothy and resilient, an eggshell white.

Scent is of wood over roasted malt, chocolate. Very stouty, which isn't a bad thing at all. Reminds me of a maltier Old Viscosity. Vanilla makes an appearance.

Taste actually reminds me of Old Vis as well. Can't say thats a bad thing. Vanilla, wood, smoke, tobacco, roasty malt, chocolate. Very good brew, and goes down quite easy with a little warmth at the end. The mouth is somewhere in the middle in body, but damn the carbonation is just right. This is an excellent beer.

I will be buying some more of these. Even at a B plus, this is underrated here.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2009 02:32:24 | More by sonicdescent

adamette

Ohio

4.55/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Poured from a bomber into a clean, clear pint glass. Purchased at World Wines & Liquor in Mentor, Ohio for $7.99. No observed "best by" date but I am not sure that it matters.

A 2.5 inch light brown head over a dark but translucent dark maroon, brown body. I poured vigorously to try to create a nice head and it stuck around for at least 5 minutes. After sipping there is nice lacing on the glass as well. 4.5

S Nice medium malt and alcohol smell with caramel/vanilla notes. This is a very sweet smelling beer and inviting, complex and smooth all at the same time. As it warmed there was a bit more "oak" smells. Complexity comes from the various smells existing in the same beer.

T Nice sweet malt, reminds me of a Belgian Dubbel, like a Gulden Draak Jr. Vanilla/caramel notes linger in the aftertaste. There is a nice oak taste that I noticed once the beer warmed a bit and it provides a softened backdrop to the bigness of this beer.

M Slight syrupy stickiness but it is moderately thick. Big ABV, big malt make the feel somewhat heavy. There is a nice smoothness to this beer as well that helps to soften any kick of alcohol that you might experience.

D I will drink the bomber (and enjoy it) but I am not sure that I would drink more than that. A bomber will fill almost two pint glasses.

Notes: A big, interesting, delicious beer is a sipper and it really demands your attention. I first had this on tap at Ballantine's in Willoughby. The bottle reveals that it is consistent in both forms. Everyone reading this should try Dragon's Milk. A "crown jewel" beer at New Holland is certainly one that they can be proud of.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2009 12:29:15 | More by adamette

elvisnj

New Jersey

4.55/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bomber.

Pours a nice head with a dark dark hint of amber color. Looks black.

Nice head. Smells roasted malt with smokey burbon, slight alcohol, and oak.

Taste does not disappoint. Big malt with vanilla, oak and burbon. Some honey and dark caramel. Alcohol provides a bit of heat but its nice and not overpowering. Hops are present, just enough to balance the sweet malts.

Its a unique brew. I love where they went with this one. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2010 17:18:44 | More by elvisnj

centurian62

Michigan

4.55/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

After skipping out on work early, a co-worker and I decided to swing in to the NHB world headquarters (Holland, MI) and have a brew. Having never tried the Dragon's Milk, I decided it was time...and I'm glad I did. At 10% ABV, I expected the alcohol to be over-powering and make the beer tingy. Not the case at all! It was very smooth for a stout and the oak aging came out in full vibrance. The only way I would have guessed that it was 10% was the fact that I could feel a slight buzz from 1 beer. I would highly recommend that you don't miss this one if you are doing a West Michigan craft beer tour!

Serving type: on-tap

08-13-2012 16:53:37 | More by centurian62

BanjinTsuki

West Virginia

4.54/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

My first bourbon barrel stout left me a changed man.

I hesitate while writing this review as the Dragon's Milk is my first bourbon barrel stout brew. But I was so impressed with it I felt I must let the world know how wonderful it is. Shame on me, if a bro came along to read the reviews of Dragon's Milk to see if it is worth a quaff, and I was silent. A well tapped draft Guinness might be the best beer, but a bottle Dragon's Milk beats out a bottled Guinness, especially when you want the extra punch brought by 10% ABV. For some reason they call this a oak barrel ale, but it really feels and tastes more like a stout.

Appearance - For a dark beer lover, this is one pretty beer. Dark chocolate in color, with a nice two finger foam when presented. I was at a restaurant, so I didn't get to see it from the bottle, but the waitress poured it well. The creamy looking foam reduced quickly and didn't leave much of a lace, but I wonder if that has to do with the devil's cut of bourbon residing it its midst.

Smell - Strong roasted Oak with a nice tone of malt and a hint vanilla all blanketed in a strong whiskey overtone. Everyone seems to smell chocolate, but I've got a good sniffer and I didn't quite detect it. Not saying they're wrong, it just didn't hit me with chocolate. I wonder if a draft version has more coffee and chocolate balanced flavor.

Taste - Oak. For a once-upon-a-time saxophone player, the oak was almost heavenly. Imagine a shot of oaken-laced bourbon tamed by malt and vanilla and you've got a good idea of the taste.

Mouthfeel - Carbonated (a little too much for my liking, but not so much for a bad score) followed by a bourbon-smooth finish (the dragon's fire, I suppose) that ran to about mid throat. The carbonation lightened the body a bit and yielded a medium body feel. The bourbon kick and aroma definitely cleans the palate!

Overall - excellent. It certainly makes me want to try other bourbon barrel stouts to see how they stack up to this bar-setter. I'll be looking to see if this brew is available in my area. In fact, I'll be running out to see as soon as my wife gets home.

Your bro in brew,
Banjin Tsuki

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2013 16:40:11 | More by BanjinTsuki

bashiba

Iowa

4.53/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a very dark black with slight ruby highlights and a thin dark tan head.

Smell is sweet with hints of vanilla, bourban, chocolate and alcohol.

Taste is a very nice and smooth with tons of complexity here. Hints of smoke, oak, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, with a nice burnt malty flavor. Very bourban like and delicious.
.

Mouthfeel is super creamy and lush with a nice bit of warming.

Drinkability is great on this fantastic beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2006 01:02:08 | More by bashiba

pmcadamis

Illinois

4.53/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I tried this at Lunar in the 'burbs while celebrating my bachelor party. It came to me in a 9 oz snifter.

A - Black as tar with a dark brown creamy head that shows really nice retention and leaves a lot of lace on the glass.

S - Dark and creamy to my nose, this is full of dark chocolate candy notes and strangely enough I smell peanut butter.

T - Rich chocolatey ovaltine! This is sweet and chocolatey with some nice supporting hops. Tasty as hell. This is like drinking Hershey's dark chocolate syrup straight up.

M - As full bodied as motor oil, this is creamy, silky, smooth, and really thick.

D - Outstanding! This is a killer beer! I love the name, the high ABV is nice, and the flavors are damn tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

04-28-2008 00:07:37 | More by pmcadamis

Heferwiezer

Wisconsin

4.53/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

1/2 inch centimeter head. dense and creamy. dark mahogany color with ruby highlights.

bourbon and dark fruits on the nose.a little bit of sweet chocolate.

taste, initial hit of bourbon and chocolate. smooth after taste of oak, vanilla and alcohol.

super creamy mouth feel- like butta. not too thin not to sticky, carbonation is spot on.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2010 04:29:16 | More by Heferwiezer