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

sinistrsam

Maryland

4.43/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This poured an absolute opaque creamy brown/black, with a hufe foamy tan head which lasted several minutes. There was lacing all throughout the tasting.The aroma, was one of the best I've ever had. It smelled like an old-time chocolate malt; the creaminess of ice cream, the bitter and roasted cocoa, mild coffee, mild caramel. It was incredible and very complex.
The taste was also complex; a bitting dry bitter chocolate, maybe sour fruits? Malts and very mild hops.
It was slightly thinner than the HUGE head and creamy aroma led me to believe. However, the 10% abv was well-disguised.
I was well impressed with the beer's drinkability also, quite good for something that seems to heavy at first. Buy this if just for the incredible aroma.

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2006 19:09:22 | More by sinistrsam

germaniac

California

3.7/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours burnt brown, lots of creamy tannish head. Looks something like a stout.

Smell has a great roastiness, some coffee and chocolate malts mingling with dark fruit aromas.

Starts thick and roasty, mellowing out somewhat into creamy tartness. Earthy wood notes and almost sourness towards the finish. Probably has something to do with the barrel aging thing.

A very interesting brew, a nice change from the hoppy strong ales that I'm used to. Not something I'd drink every day, though. Recieved via trade with jpm30.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2006 05:33:23 | More by germaniac

jorjoria

New York

2.55/5  rDev -34.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Now I like New Holland Brewing Co. but I found this beer to be less then palatable. According to the New Holland website I was expecting, "a complex ale with a soft, rich caramel malt character intermingled with deep vanilla tones; all dancing in an oak bath."

There now if by complex they meant as sour as any Gueuze or Lambic I've ever had then they would be correct. I did get a faint hint of the oak in this beer and a little bit of vanilla but over all just tons and tons of sour flavor. To be honest it tasted like a batch of infected homebrew I once had. Now I wasn't going to slam this beer and I truly thought I got a bad bottle but after reading some of the other reviews apparently I'm not the only one the found this sour flavor. This beer is by no means an American Strong Ale it should be classified as a Flemish Imperial Stout if such a thing exists. Now for this beers credit it is interesting but just way to unbalanced I drank shared the bottle with three friends all of who enjoy craft brew including funky Belgians and the like and none of us found this brew appealing. Anyway I still like New Holland and next time I'm in the mid west I'll be picking up some of their black tulip.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2006 22:21:15 | More by jorjoria

cameraman

Kentucky

2.48/5  rDev -36.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

This beer came highly recommended. A dark brown color with hints of a red hue along the side of the glass. A substantial head formswith a beige color, that laces slowly down the glass.The scents are very nice some of the chocolate malt and some vanilla aromas are there, with a touch oak wood from the barrel. The taste is very surprising, immensely sour, mostly a fruity sourness with cherries and some lemon, there is some of the chocolate flavor at the end. In the mouth it was very carbonated, it was present from the beginning to the end of each taste. Drinkability, not so much the sourness makes it difficult to have several, but it is truely unique. I would recommend at least trying this beer once.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2006 15:50:35 | More by cameraman

sinstaineddemon

Connecticut

4.63/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

for those who notice such thing, the label has apparently changed, its a Stone-type imprint label

A - i had to double check the bottle, this is an ALE, right? looks like a stout! pours a very inky black with a 2 1/2 finger thick tan head that is Duvel-esque in longevity, and darkens as it shrinks

S - has a distinct aroma thats a combination of vanilla and amaretto with an alcohol kick at the back

T - Holy.... What The.... Is That...!?!? What an unusual and unexpected flavor combination, the vanilla and almond/amaretto followed from the aroma, but its also very sour like sour milk, but not sickening, even has a slight chocolate twang

M - very smooth, but sour, have to enjoy a nice sour pucker to like this

D - as drinkable as dragon-fire soured milk, a little lower because of the sourness, but still damn good, i really like this

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2006 04:42:56 | More by sinstaineddemon

Jeronimo

Michigan

3.13/5  rDev -19.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Purchased 22oz bottle at B&B liquors in Grand Rapids, MI for $6.99. Poured at room temperature (65 F) into a pint glass. Having serious head control problems, I havn't even poured an ounce of beer in and my glass is full of foam that will not die. As I add more it continues to foam out of control. I have never seen anything like this. Now it looks like a icecream float. After waiting 5 minutes for it to stabilize a bit, I get my first sip.

Appearance: Very dark, nearly opaque, a dim glow makes it through the sides of the glass as I hold it up to the light. A tan fluffy head lingers for a long time after the beer is poured. Thick clumps of lacing stick to the sides of the glass. I have never seen head like this.

Smell: Very aromatic, tart, sweet, spicy, a hint of wood.

Taste: First flavor I notice is a bold tartness, sweet but not oversweet, beginning to taste the malt as it washes back, a trace of hops on the sides, balanced grape-skin bitterness, lingering tart-bitter finish.

Mouthfeel: Thinner than I expected for a 9% beer, going flat b/c of the foam I think.

Drinkability: Aside from the initial difficulties, not a bad beer, I would like to try one chilled and see if that fixes this. Maybe I have a bad bottle, Im gonna read other posts after this and see how they describe this. I expected something richer and less bubbly. Oh jeez this beer is a hazard, it just foamed all over the place as I refilled, or attempted to refill my glass. gotta wipe down the keyboard. I have a hard time imagining this is what the brewer intended. tasted alright though.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2006 20:19:00 | More by Jeronimo

Beaver13

Colorado

2.73/5  rDev -30.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

22 oz bottle. Pours a dark reddish brown with a thin tan head that quickly goes to a collar.

The aroma is oakey and vinous with a big chocolate and peat malt base and a touch of tart and sour dark fruits. As it warms, old cheese and strong alcohol comes out.

The flavor is sweet chocolate malts with some vinous alcohol and plums. It has a smooth woody finish. As it warms, a lot of alcoholic and tart (almost sour) fruitiness comes out (cherries, plums). The mouthfeel is medium bodied and velvety.

Overall, it was not as complex as I had expected. I liked the first sip, but the more I drank of it, the less I liked it. The alcoholic tart sourness started to become a bit overbearing. It kind of reminds me of liquid fruit cake.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2006 05:38:26 | More by Beaver13

mntlover

Tennessee

4/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a dark mahogany nice fluffy brownish head that leaves lots of lace.

Aroma is nice chocolate, fruity nice cherries, dry wine like aromas some vanilla light bourbon mixed thru out. Very different strong ale but nice so far.

Taste some roasted flavors hints of chocolate then strong cherry flavors come on sour wine like again light vanilla and bourbon flavors with some sour vinegar notes mixed with cherry. Finish is light hops and vanilla notes. I know this review kind of wonders but this is so strange but good :) Sour Chocoalte Covered Cherries.

Mouthfeel is lighter then I expected but seems to suite the beer well, as this beer isn't what I was expecting.

Drinkability is good, its different and unique one half Stout and half Flanders. Would like to have more to explore in depth but only have one thanks cretemixer.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2006 10:50:38 | More by mntlover

Crosling

Colorado

4/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Brown in color with a filmy and glass coating light tan head. Complex & inviting nose with a variety of dimensions, wood (bourbon, soaked oak), malt (chocolate, roast) along with hints of rum cake and chocolate covered cherries. Creamy, bubbly feel on the palate. Flavors continue on, contributing what the aroma hinted at. Well extracted malts with hints of chocolate, vinous fruits, bourbon, maple and vanilla. A very good beer and oddly enough, this was strikingly similar to a rare beer I had at the Le Sois Bock in Paris this past summer called Warenghem Olde Breizh (which I am the only rater of). Their malt profiles were nearly identical and they were both aged in wood.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2006 03:51:16 | More by Crosling

mattcrill

Ohio

3.5/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Label gives ABV 9%, 19 Plato and I should expect oak, vanilla, and carmel notes.

Aroma: Warm and inviting blend of vanilla, carmel, creamed coffee, and a touch of some woody, earthy undertones.

Appearance: Inky black and dense. Jet black from edge to edge. A tight, sudsy, and creamy biege cap forms.

Flavor: A lactic twang hits the palate first followed by sweet oak, a brush of vanilla, raisins, a bit of smokiness, and just a touch of tannic astringency. I think there is some Brett-funk going on there too.

Mouthfeel: Low carbonation but enough to keep it interesting. Medium bodied and just a touch slick. The lactic acidity lingers after each taste.

Overall impression: Kind of interesting. This is what a wood-aged beer should be. It should accentuate not dominate the characteristics of the beer. That being said, without the wood aging, this would be a pretty one dimensional beer. The wood aging fatigues the palate pretty quickly. Worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2006 20:05:00 | More by mattcrill

TheBungyo

Washington

3.5/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

22 oz courtesy of the generous Northertimber.

Poured night black with a head that grew like it was on steroids! I'm not kidding, this head would not quit. I have a 20 oz nonic but I could only get half of this into it without running the risk of having it tumble over the edge. Looks very tasty. I lower my head and take whiff ... white wine? Yep, I'm smelling white wine, a little vanilla and lots of citrusy acidic orange. Very strange. A taste treats me to an almost overpowering white wine taste coupled with vanilla, chocolate, and a very sour taste. Each time I sip I taste something else, a feeling that is very engaging. I'm not wild about the taste of this beer, but it is damned interesting, enough to give it a higher score than I might have just because it lends to serious ponderance. As interesting as it is, a second is not in order.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2006 07:24:57 | More by TheBungyo

DrJay

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Very dark brown with ruby highlights. Light brown head made up of fine bubbles - good retention and nice lacing. Lots of vanilla in the aroma. Also some oak and chocolate maltiness. Complex flavour with plenty of orange character and some chocolate maltiness. Some wood, mild roast and moderate bitterness. Slightly aggressive carbonation with a smooth, full body. Surprisingly well hidden alcohol makes this easy drinking, but it's still a sipping beer!

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2006 18:32:05 | More by DrJay

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A sipper. Good amount of lace and deep chocolale brown. Thanks Dr. Jay. Carbonation on aggressive side. Taste: coriander, orange, like a grand cru with lots of nother complexity. On the edge of funky. Medium-full mouthfeel.Lots of lace.A bit of wood in the finsih, and vanilla aftertaste.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2006 01:13:23 | More by northyorksammy

goodbyeohio

Oregon

3.38/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

22oz provided by theblackmallard.

had this previously at the map room and ranked up with my all-time favs. 22oz bottles? gotta get me some!

poured dark, black, sultry into a tulip. lots of off-white soapy foam which really doesn't play to the creamy profile i desire from this beer. aroma mixes the vanilla and woody bourbon with a hop tinge and fruity tartness. sort of strange, but i digress. taste echoes the aroma sentiment.. the original barrel flavor is there backed by a nice caramel sweetness. however, the overcarbonation in the bottle mixed with some abrasively acidic esters make this version far inferior to last years fresher pour. kind of a disappointment, but the finishing flavors are good. the lemony hop zest wears out and leaves a nice vanilla/banana pina colada thing in my mouth.. different from what i remember but still enjoyable.

overall, i probably wouldn't revisit the bottles but will seek this out on tap wherever it may roam.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2006 06:55:45 | More by goodbyeohio

Shovelbum

Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a thin a off white head that rapidly dissipates into the ethers. Body is deep brown-black. Light aromas of sweet and roasted malt, a touch of oak and very light citrus hops in the background. The oakiness becomes a bit more pronounced ion the flavor along with some of the accompanying bourbon. However there is plenty of dark vinous fruit-like malt to balance it out along with a mild bitterness. A bit of plumb and chocolate as well, but all with a goodly amount of sweetness. The alcohol is well-hidden. Medium body, moderate carbonation. Crisp in the mouth, with a lingering, albeit mild, bitterness.

New Holland’s “crown jewel” indeed. This ale shows a great deal of patience and vision in its creation. The oak-bourbon character is quite assertive at times, but by no means drowns out the complexities of the malt bill. I drank this around cellar temperature which really seemed to bring out its full character.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2006 01:20:28 | More by Shovelbum

Tallboy

Antarctica

3.93/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I have walked past this bottle many times at my local "Wine Connection" recently and thought it had a realy cool looking label,but alas would always find something else to take home....that all changed untill yesterday when i finaly decided to go for the win.


Poures: A warm chestnutt brown/black from the DBL deuce and formed a pleasing looking deep tan head , that seemed to linger till the end in my pint glass.

Smell: Was rather inviting after getting used to the oak...full of sweet rasins, milk/honey,amaretto,and pecans this has got it all.

Taste: Wow.... toffee, espresso, ritch chocolate. slightly sweet but the one thing that realy stands out was the vanilla taste towards the end. It was utterly fantastic and made me drink one more than I proably should have.

Mouthfeel: Nice and wet going down , it was just so velvety smooth.

Drinkability: This rates verry high on my all time favorite list. Definitely don't pass this up while exploring on your next Beer Adventure.

Overall: The flavor is in constant battle over the aroma to "overtake" command of your senses. This is a "beer" brewed for the sole intent to make you enjoy the moment and forget about your worries and the world around you!

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2006 16:31:01 | More by Tallboy

Bighuge

Minnesota

2.65/5  rDev -32.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Pretty dark beer. Almost black. Thin and airy light brown head. Lace is decent. Aroma is of oak, tannins, whiskey and slight caramel. Flavor is dried fruits, wet cardboard, tartness and stale bread. This one is just not hitting the spot as I thought it would. Nothing seems just terribly "off." Maybe a little oxidized. Just really not that good. Bland. I don't even pick up any barrel properties.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2006 05:02:25 | More by Bighuge

beerinator

Illinois

4/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 ounce bottle

Apperance: Dark almost black, but tinging on brown or ruby brown when the light hits just right. The head has pleasant lingering lacing that is off white to tan.

Aroma: Bourbon aromas are the first to strike. Sourness and roastyness are some smells that kick through soon after. A bit on the sour side of most bourbony aromas. Gives me an indidcation of impending sour/dry flavor.

Taste: The bourbon flavor is quite subdued compared to much of the bourbon flavored beers I've tried lately. It's very evident, but it's somewhat back of the burner. The dark roasted malts seem to come forth quicker with their charred, bitter chocolate bitterness up front with sourness coming through the middle of the taste finishing with a bit of lingering sourness alongside slight bitter roasty flavors. The "bourbony sweetness" balances it out. There is a slight note of vanilla-ishness. Mouthfeel is good, if a bit thin.

Notes: Very drinkable beer. The sourness will be a bit of a turnoff for those not expecting it. Bourbonish flavors weren't quite as strong as those you get from other bourbon type beers. Fairly drinkable once you're in the mindset for this sort of beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2006 02:51:12 | More by beerinator

scruffwhor

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle with 9% abv.

Appearance- Pours a spritzy, rye bread head. Color is black, the color I always thought dragon's milk should be. No discernable lacing in this dark brew.

Smell- A tart, woody mix of bourbon, roasted malt, ripe purple grapes, and well balanced hops.

Taste- Starts out with some toasted malt flavors that leads to more currant fruitiness. The center brings the tart currant malt to a more of an oak and red wine flavor. The end sees the red wine turning into bourbon with some earthy hop bitterness.

Mouthfeel- An oily yet silky, medium bodied brew. Left the palate a little tart.

I'm not a fan of tart or acidic beers, but Dragon's Milk is very complex, and unlike young Lambics. This beer has tartness blended with so many other flavors,that the tart palate adds to the complexity of this great. Two mugs up.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2006 04:15:01 | More by scruffwhor

weeare138

Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Denverlogan for this...Aayiiieeee!!!!
This one actually came in a dark 22 oz, silk screened bomber.
Appears a hazy dark brownish black with a small tan head that fades into a film. Spotty lacing is left around the glass.
Smell is of oaky lactose with cocoa, caramel, and vanilla.
Taste is of the same aromas perhaps just knocked down a notch.
Mouthfeel is silky and creamy with mild carbonation. Perhaps one of the silkiest beers I've ever had.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2006 14:52:01 | More by weeare138

soulfly967

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a deep brown color, with a thin light tan head that quickly diminished to a ring around the glass.

The smell was magnificent. Oak, vanilla, caramel, and some nutty character. Some bourbon was evident as well.

Taste was just as good. Vanilla, oak, caramel, light roasted malt, and dark fruits. Some alcohol was present at the finish, with lingering vanilla on the tongue.

Mouthfeel was very creamy and nicely carbonated.

Overall, drinkability was good on this one. I will be looking for this one again.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2006 18:23:48 | More by soulfly967

DarkerTheBetter

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer came a slightly murky dark brown with cherry red highlights and a thin off white head. Smells of oak, brandy, and other sour woody notes with undertones of chocolate and dark sour fruits. Tastes of an initial wild cherry and wonderfully tart plumb sourness with a big oak, citrus and lilac dryness. The malt base that ties all of these together is thin and sweet chocolate and vanilla with a nice wild and musky sour fruitiness. The 10% alcohol isn’t detected on the nose or the taste at all. Fantastic and original flavor combinations here. If this isn’t original, someone please tell me of more options that are this wonderful and well blended. The mouth feel is light with a tingly carbonation. I’ll definitely track this one down again!

Serving type: on-tap

01-30-2006 00:41:42 | More by DarkerTheBetter

fatherofgirls

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The appearence is dark black with a medium tan head that fades quickly and has very little lacing.
The aroma is wonderfully heavy with vanilla extract, milk chocolate and a touch of roasted walnuts ending with a whiskey/bourbon smell
The taste is not as fantastic as the smell but great just the same with a roasted chocolate beggining with a nice hoppy ending and a slight hint of the alcohol within.
The mouthfeel is heavy and creamy. I couldn't drink more than one or two of these.
All and all a great brew. The roasted chocolate flavor is to die for. This starts to approach Goose Island's Bourbon County and 3Floyde’s Darklord my favorites in this style.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2006 01:42:47 | More by fatherofgirls

sopor

Oregon

4.75/5  rDev +21.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I don't like whiskey/bourbon, and I thought that may be a problem with this ale, but NOT SO! Perhaps I don't taste it b/c I don't like those flavors?

Cola colored, brown w/red highlight, and a fizzy cola head that looks like it won't last, but leaves a slight film.

Oak is the predominant smell, reminds me of a lot of red wines, with a similarilly vinous note. Other sweet smells are almost undistinguishable under the oak.

OH Creamy vanilla oak sweet goodness! Totally blown aaway! Oak an vinous notes dominate, especiialy as it is colder, with tones of roast malt. More likea carbonated red wine with dark old ale flavors. The sweetness of dark fruit and picks up more as it warms, complementing the vanilla wonderfully. Alcohol is NOT noticed, which could be dangerous.

So smooth, so easy drinking! Dangerous indeed, get ready for a nap! Easilly the best Old Ale I've had, a unique and tasty treat that I can't wait to get again!

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2006 15:19:49 | More by sopor

xgrigorix

Michigan

3.13/5  rDev -19.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Brown 22 ounce silk screened bottle, no dates.

Dark chestnut brown. Dense beige coloured head collapses quickly, leaving some patchy lace. Racing lines of carbonation.

Soft bourbon aroma.

Caramel, Vanilla, oak. Lather, rinse, repeat. Off dry finish. Teh bourbon flavour - the charred oak - becomes more pronounced as it warms. A slight warming of the throat. Full bodied, moderate carbonation. Left me wanting more.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2006 04:17:40 | More by xgrigorix