The Brewery: Ithaca Beer Company (Ithaca, NY)
The Brew: Excelsior! Anniversary Sixteen (Belgian Dark Ale)
Availability: Bottles, Draft (Limited)
ABV: 8.7%
Rating: 8.9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center
The Story? Ithaca Beer's Excelsior! series has really stuck a chord with me over the years. Their White Gold continues to be one of my favorite local releases and the Anniversary offerings have been deliciously consistent and drinkably unique.
Anniversary Sixteen hit shelves in early December (with a much-improved, more eye-catching label over previous Excelsior! releases) and I was quick to snatch up a bottle. The brew is a dark, Belgian inspired farmhouse ale brewed with local wildflower honey and a slew of quality malts and hops, including one of my '13 obsessions, Galaxy. Let's jump in.
The Beer? Sixteen pours out a deep, hazy cola color crowned with a fluffy, ivory head. A lightly roasted nose follows - dark, wet, and damp with slight sweet and fruit notes.
On first sip, I'm immediately aware of what IBC meant by "mysterious and complex". The flavor is captivating and a touch peculiar, starting off creamy, but finishing quite bright with a full, sticky mouthfeel and long mouth coat.
I initially pull vegetal flavors with tight, herbal notes and feel. There's a slight astringency, though not like a wild or sour ale. Additionally, there's a dark bitterness, that is more akin to high-end black tea or coffee.
Sixteen opens up further through, letting hints of citrus and dark fruit shine through along with honeycomb notes and a breath of sweet honey itself.
Overall Ithaca Beer delivers again with an adventurous and unique beer. A must-try for anyone seeking a complex brew that isn't easy to pin down to a specific style or flavor category. Again, kudos to the branding team for the new look.
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