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

barleywinefiend

Washington

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

Thanks Drunkmonk!!
Poured a deep brown with a light brown head.
Nose was espresso, some chocolate and caramel, probably from the caramel malt I tasted in this. Some slight hints of choclate, vanilla and bourbon maybe. The oak taste was a little lighter than I expected. It was very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2008 00:40:20 | More by barleywinefiend

Wasatch

Utah

4.4/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks goes to stouty1 for the brew.

Pour into a chalice a nice clear dark ruby color, nice carbonation, huge creamy tan head which lasts forever, tons of lacing throughout the drink. The nose is of nice sweet/oaked malts, some dark fruits (plums, figs), slight vanilla, and caramel. The taste is very nice of sweet malts, vanilla, oak, plums, and caramel. Medium body, highly carbonated feel, well rounded complex brew. Very drinkable, I'm really enjoying this one, thanks again Dan. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2007 18:22:43 | More by Wasatch

rhoadsrage

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

(Served in an American pint glass)

A- This beer has a deep black opaque body with a tan head with a slight reddish hint. The head quickly turns into a pile of big bubbles that floats to the edge. This beer is to thick to see any signs of carbonation.

S- The aroma of pale malt and chocolate malt with some lightly toasted malt are enhanced by a slight vanilla woody character. A soft notes of bourbon and pecans are in the finish.

T- This beer has a nice smooth deep roasted malt flavor with hints of chocolate malt, brown malt and coffee and cream. The finish has a smooth bourbon finish but no alcohol heat.

M- The mouthfeel is medium with a creamy texture with soft fizz and alcohol warmth at the finish.

D- This beer has some good complexity in the malt bill and it has really blended with age (this was just released to the stores). The oak and bourbon really give nice depth to the beer and add more depth.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2006 03:28:46 | More by rhoadsrage

Jason

Massachusetts

3.83/5  rDev -2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz brown bottle with a vintage date of 2011 on the label.

LOOK: Dark brown, nearly black with ruby edges. Good lacing even if it is a bit thin.

SMELL: Oaky, vanilla, barrel juice, boozy, mild char, toasted bread, burnt raisins, fig jam

TASTE: Very smooth, wood, char, mildly fusel, vanilla, burnt sugar, dark chocolate, chicory, booze soaked raisins, charred drying finish

A really good barrel aged brew that rides the path of a stout, a big beer that you'll need to sip. Very well balanced, had fun drinking this one.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2012 03:09:45 | More by Jason

Billolick

New York

4.2/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 ouncer, new graphics, i didn't see vintage/freshness dating, pours dark, dark mahogany, initially shows a dark mocha head, recedes down to a splotchy film and leaves lightish slippery lace. Nose is of dark bread, licorish and some background woodyness. Notes of rum, dark fruit, figs and raisins, more dark wood, molasses, and an underlying layer of wood. Nice sipper, bold and flavorful. More high test Michigan brew.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2008 15:46:06 | More by Billolick

mdfb79

New York

3.85/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz. Bottle into a pint glass.

a - A very dark black, letting in absolutely no light. It has a small amount of carbonation, and almost no head whatsoever. The smallest ring of white head appears around the edges.

s - Smells of roasted malts, vanilla, oak, also a little chocolate and coffee.

t - The taste that first jumps out at me is again the roasted malts, followed by the vanilla. It has a milky taste to it and also small hints of chocolate and bourbon, though nothing overpowering.

m - Moderate carbonation and a full body, it's actually kind of smooth.

d - Overall I think it's a decent strong ale, but nothing to write home about. It does have a creamy, smooth milk/vanilla flavor, but the alcohol comes through in it.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2010 22:40:57 | More by mdfb79

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle obtained via trade with CRJMellor. Thanks for the opportunity...

Poured into a Rapscallion glass, formed a 3" tan head over the almost opaque dark brown brew. Head slowly fades to a pile of froth, with lots of tan lacing. Aroma is dark sweet grains with a vanilla oaky thing going on, and some fruit notes as well. Taste starts with the smooth dark malts, segues into the tart fruits, and closes with gradual appearance of the oak/vanilla flavors, and light warmth lingers. Mouthfeel has so much going on, yet all balances out wonderfully, and drinkability is excellent for such a potent brew. Liked it before, still do.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2006 02:19:24 | More by ppoitras

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

Zorro

California

3.58/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A clear but very dark brown colored ale with a wispy light brown head. This is easily as dark as a porter.

The smell is sweet and boozy with lots of oak and malt and a trace of Bourbon whiskey. Vanilla, oak and caramel are all in here, so pretty much bourbon.

The taste starts semi sweet and malty with a strong vanilla flavor with a bit of a chocolate after taste. A bit malty but the oak barrel dominates the taste of this beer and it is mostly vanilla and caramel. This could be more complex.

Mouthfeel is OK.

Easy to drink without a doubt but it lacks so zip I think. Tasty but it needs more complexity besides the vanilla and wood.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2007 06:34:18 | More by Zorro

Kegatron

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On cask, via hand pump, @ Teresa's Next Door (Wayne, PA) on 2/6/11. Served in a tulip glass.

Pours black with a ¼ finger cap of creamy mocha head. This retains a nice robustness in the glass, throwing up a good bit of rich spotty lacing onto the sides of the glass. The aroma is a smooth mélange of molasses, chocolate, caramel, and a bit of dense dark roast in the nose. The barrel is fairly prevalent as well with a good bit of oak and vanilla character. This is quite rich yet still easy feeling in the nostrils.

The taste matches the aroma, with a silky smooth mix of cocoa, butterscotch, vanilla, and dark roast, and oak, which hangs on the finish. Man, this is smooth and delicious feeling on the palate, with the flavors seeming to literally melt in the mouth at times. The mouthfeel is fuller bodied but it just so easy and creamy here on cask; it feels somewhat lesser than that at times. There's maybe some general intensity to the flavors from the big ABV but other than that, there is no way that you would know that is 9-10%. Just no way. This is very dangerously drinkable for the size here on cask.

Wow, this was something. If you like your Dragon's Milk as a big beer with pronounced and assertive flavors that you can wrap your tongue around, I recommend sticking with the bottle or tap version of this. If you're looking for this with all of those flavors melded and smoothed out into a decadent and obscenely drinkable glass of beer, then I would wholeheartedly say that you must check this out on cask. You'll be glad you did.

Serving type: cask

02-09-2011 20:32:39 | More by Kegatron

Viggo

Ontario (Canada)

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

Big thanks to grub for sharing this bottle with me. Had it on tap a couple years ago and dug it then.

Pours a clear dark ruby red/brown, thin light tan head forms, quickly settles down to a thin ring, some lace spots form on the glass, looks good. Smell is neat, very fruity, caramel, chocolate, lactose, oak, light roast, strawberries, all over the place in a good way, nice complexity, very malty stuff. Taste is nice, caramel up front, thick and malty, chocolate roast, fruit, very milky, kind of a mix between a stout and strong ale or doppelbock, wood comes through in the finish with a touch of alcohol, goes down a bit weak on flavour but is quite enjoyable. Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with medium carbonation, assertive, alcohol warmth, nice stuff. Thanks Russ!

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2008 22:16:17 | More by Viggo

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

corby112

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a very dark chestnut brown with mahogany edges when held to a light source and a 1.5 finger foamy tan head. Decent retention, slowly fading into a lasting ring that leaves spots of lacing behind.

Chocolate malt aroma with subtle bourbon, earthy oak and vanilla.

Lighter bodied tha I expected but not thin. Silky chocolate maltiness with hints of caramel and toffee. Not roasty at all. Surprising dark fruit notes including cherry, plum and raisin which provide a nice balance to the heavy malt presence. Subtle bourbon presence that isn't overpowering, letting the other flavors shine through. Earthy oakiness with a nice touch of vanilla which adds to the smoothness of the beer. This in combination with the well masked ABV make this beer pretty quaffable. Slightly dry finish.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2009 03:53:16 | More by corby112

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

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

Out of a firkin at UJ's on the Manatawny last weekend.

The beer pours a dark black brown color with good head retention and lacing. The nose is uncomplicated, but is still very nice, consisting of noticeable bourbon, coffee, chocolate and cherry vanilla. The flavors on the palate replicate the nose, but in this case the whole is superior to the sum of the parts. Everything blends in together so well, and the flavor profile is enhanced by an incredibly decadent, rich, soft as silk, mouthfeel. This beer is increadily soft and creamy, and has a long finish. The alcohol in this beer is barely noticeable, though one gets a bit of a warming sensation after a while. Nevertheless, delicious as this beer is, it would be entirely too easy to drink quite a few of these at a sitting, something that would probably not be a good idea.

Very impressive.

Serving type: cask

02-25-2009 20:15:32 | More by johnmichaelsen

DoubleJ

California

3.85/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

After 4 hours of not having electricity in my house, it has returned. And my beer is still chilled. On to the beer:

Black, as expected, with ruby red hues when shined through a light. The head fizzes away, which is dissapointing. But hey, it smells nice. Pleasnat. Mellow. There is some vanilla, cream, and a light touch of oak. Some coffee too.

It tastes sweet and milky at first taste. Milk and cream for certain. A pinch of booze heats things up. There's the oak, and it begins to take hold. It starts to impart a fruity flavor with wood. Medium bodied with light carbonation, not quite as "high gravity" as I would expect. Actually, it thickens up some as it warms. Overall, the flavors meld better as it warms.

I was unsure about this beer at first, then things started to get better and better as it warmed. A nice beer to try if you have a sweet tooth and/or are an oak lover.

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2009 05:26:29 | More by DoubleJ

glid02

Georgia

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

On-tap.

Pours one shade from black with a half-finger tan head. The head recedes into a thin layer on top leaving decent lacing.

Smells of large amounts of vanilla and butterscotch. Also present are sweet caramel malt undertones with slight amounts of roasted malt flavors.

Tastes good. A combination of sweet caramel malt and roasted malt flavors kick things off and are joined quickly by sweet butterscotch flavors. Midway through the sip hints of light chocolate flavors make an appearance before being crowded out by smooth vanilla. Finally, hints of earthy oak come into play and carry through to a mildly bitter ending.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a smooth thickness with nice carbonation.

Drinkability is OK. I finished my glass without a problem however I'm not sure about another.

Overall this was a very nice beer however the sweetness from the barrels was just a bit over the top and hurt the drinkabililty for me. Still, a good beer that should be on par with Crème Brulee as far as love-hate relationships.

Serving type: on-tap

09-16-2010 20:36:32 | More by glid02

Gusler

Arizona

4.05/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The beer piles forth from the brown silk screened bottle a deep brown with a large creamy tan head that slowly fades to nothingness leaving a fine thick sheet of lace to cover the glass. Nose is a hodge-podge of aromas, vanilla, Oak, caramel, toasted malt, hops, very complex to say the least, start is slightly sweet with a tinge of tartness, grain profile decent, and the top light to middling in feel. Finish has a moderate acidity, the hops delightful with the Oak flavor lasting to the very dry end, also a bit of tummy warming from the 9 percent ABV, certainly a beer to age.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2006 21:52:47 | More by Gusler

beerthulhu

New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A: From the bottle appeared a chocolate-chestnut brown color with deep marzen highlights, while in the glass was totally opaque with a mocha tinted head that was quickly dissipating. A sturdier, frothy-whipped head would of crowned this off with near perfect results, but the fizziness and quick demise didn't leave much to appreciate.

S: The nose came forth with a deep sense of espresso beans and a dark roasted malting that was bitter with oaky cask notes of whiskey and burbon. There was a strange, albeit, an intriguing scent of fresh motor oil, perhaps a result of the burnt malting and booziness. Burnt chocolate hints round things out here with a deep roasted barley finish accompanied by a lingering booziness of whiskey and burbon.

T: The flavor right from the start illustrates its deep, brooding and intimidating nature of deep roasted burnt malting straight from the bowels of hell. A burnt charred bitterness which is highlighted by a mixed booziness of whiskey and burbon is served up with a deep sense of acrid nature. While the malting was dark, burnt and roasted, its overall delivery was one of complete smoothness. Dark fruit of ripe juicy plums, licorice and dry vanilla also add highlights to this finely tuned flavor. There is a very warming alcohol nature to this beer that would probably keep you warm in the middle of Siberia wearing nothing but a thong. Overall the roasted character is dark, brooding and bitter, yet surprising smooth and refined in nature.

M: incredibly smooth and lusciously silky with a light-medium body. Burnt barley offerings and a warming booziness smoothers the tongue upon the swallow.

D: fairly good despite the overall warm booziness, balanced by the smooth roasted character. At 9.0%abv a bomber is about all I could handle though enjoyed every last sip of it. A dark, brooding and sometimes intimidating drink that is sure to warm the cockles of your heart, and pit of your stomach.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2009 23:36:12 | More by beerthulhu

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

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

4.72/5  rDev +20.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

One of my local drinking buddies invited me over for an afternoon of tippling with him and his wife this past summer since she and I were both off work as teachers and he had a free afternoon. These are the results.

The pour resulted in a finger of deep-tan head that quickly faded to wisps. Color was a deep, dark-brown with ruby highlights and great clarity. Nose was rich with bourbon-vanilla notes. Zounds! Mouthfeel was rather creamy with notes of smoke, vanilla, wood and black cherry in the mouth. It put me in mind of Calvin's dad in "Calvin & Hobbes" asking, "Say, where did you get this [beer], anyway?" Finish was redolent with vanilla and bourbon. Absolutely breathtaking. Great lacing throughout. It was an attention-getting beer to be sure, but it also wrapped things up for us pretty quickly. Proceed with caution.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2010 13:10:10 | More by woodychandler

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

4.13/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

An opaque charcoal black with auburn prints and highlights of maroon when held directly to the light. Darkened and quite lusterless, it's a very dull, shadowed appearance. I'd never observe any head, regardless of the angle on pouring, but note a thin off-white envelope which embalmed the beer and doted all parts of the glass.

The aroma is pleasing but far from decadent. There are crisp toffee wafers and a light presence of cocoa beans. Beyond that you'll have to get your nose wet to discover exactly what lies within; as hard as I sniff I fail to discover anything more. I try to imagine dark caramel, rich rum-raisin, vanilla custard and strong espresso but I fail to pick any of it out.

The taste falls a little closer to the mark, boasting notes of raw, unprocessed vanilla bean, gourmet roast coffee, rich caramel, hints of black licorice and unrefined cocoa. The oak is now wholly apparent, imparting hints of ash and dry untreated wood. There's a surprisingly generous dose of coconut. Still, it won't be enough to crack the top of my best-of list.

The oak imparts much needed dimension to the beer. It adds vanilla, an ounce of sweetened spice and just a touch of tannic quality. Those notes of chocolate reside on the palate showcasing both bitter and sweet; that combination is enticing. The alcohol percentage never shows and this achieves a very drinkable status that will only improve with a little warmth.

New Holland's decision to age this in oak barrels was most likely a smart one. Although it is a quality stout, or whatever Beer Advocate chooses to list it as, the beer no doubt benefited from a little extra complexity. It's certainly something that will suit the cellar and makes a more than worthy pick up if you're fortunate enough to find it.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2008 04:08:02 | More by biegaman

kojevergas

California

3.68/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on-draught into a stemflute in a Minneapolis bar. Reviewed from notes taken around Thanksgiving 2012.

A: Pours a one finger khaki colour head of nice cream, good thickness, and good retention for the high ABV. Body colour is a very dark ruby-black. Nontransparent.

Sm: Caramel, cream, dark malts, chocolate, and rich dark chocolate covered cherry. A moderately strong aroma.

T: Dominant chocolate with rich caramel and dark malts for the foundation. Chocolate cherry comes through. Bourbon undertones. Rich and well balanced. Delicious. Some raisin. Licorice. Well built. I like it. Well layered, nicely complex, and subtle. I'd like more roast in the foundation. I get some grape on the finish, which is too sweet.

Mf: Smooth and wet. Creamy. Nicely thick. Good carbonation. Heavy on the palate.

Dr: Drinkable and enjoyable. I quite fancy it. A delightful brew. I'd like to try it in bottled form. I look forward to trying more beers from this brewery; this was a good example of the style.

B

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2012 19:13:04 | More by kojevergas

stakem

Pennsylvania

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

Pours a very dark brown; nearly black in color. Around the edges, where light can shine through, it has some red/brown hues. Less than a finger of tanned head produced despite a fairly aggressive pour. Spotty amounts of lacing cling to the glass and it has fair retension for just a thin layer on top of this beer supported by rising bubbles of carbination. Nose is a big bold slap of woodsy oak character that is a little musty with alcohol, dark sugary sweetness and vanilla all coming into play before the usual toasty grain character of stout. Taste is really no surprise after taking in everything the aroma as to offer. Flavors include literally everything that the aroma presented: oak, alcohol (more in warmth factor than in taste but the taste is clearly there as well) bitter chocolate, and slight dark fruity sweetness like plum. Finishes bitter, but more like a burnt grain kind of bitter than a hop bitter. It has a chewy mouthfeel that clings to the palette and doesn't let go. Overall I really enjoyed this beer. It has a very enjoyable and complex nose and taste. The only thing I found a little distracting was the musty character in the aroma. Other than that I really enjoyed everything about this beer and would highly recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2010 00:15:29 | More by stakem

Derek

British Columbia (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I sampled this at the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Fest.

A: Cola coloured with an off-white/tan head, very little retention or lace.

S: Alcohol (port?), jaggery & brown sugar (hint's of molases).

T: Chocolate, raisin, malty bread, nut, great bittersweet balance, alcohol is pleasant (not overly assertive).

M: Well attenuated, moderate body is creamy. Carbonation is moderate.

D: Very good. This was one of my favourites at the fest.

Serving type: on-tap

08-13-2006 19:56:35 | More by Derek

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours very dark brown with almost no head. No lacing either. The aromas are a heady mix of bourbon, light malt, oak, and cream. Doesn't smell rich, more like a bourbon and cream. The malty notes are subdued. Lots of flavor, but a little thin in the mouthfeel department. Could use a little more backbone. The flavors themselves are very nice, though with some chocolate up front followed by a hit of bourbon and brandy, a long warming development of alcohol, and finally some malted milk on the finish. Quite a nice sipper and doesn't fill you up as much as Bourbon County Stout, but doesn't satisy as much either. If you don't like Bourrbon flavors stay away from this one. If you do, you'll probably enjoy it as I did.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2007 23:37:15 | More by Georgiabeer