“Each year we re-imagine The Gloaming with a new key ingredient. In 2017 roasted hazelnuts from iconic local growers, Fourjay Farms, have been introduced to the brewing process. As a luxurious addition, freshly harvested black truffles, unearthed just minutes from the brewery, join the infusion. “The Gloaming” is that period of the day between sunset & pitch black – this beer takes you to the edge of darkness but doesn’t push you over.”
Cool swing top bottle here. We popped and served in a beer tulip. Nice and deep cola colour with a thumb of light tan head perched on top. Retention is OK with a healthy lace clinging to the walls of the glass.
We’re taking in some rich and roasty aromas here. Tonnes of nutty malt, cherries, dark chocolate, cocoa, fig, vanilla, mushrooms, earth and coffee. She definitely displays some of those quintessential Baltic porter aromas too – think metal, subtle smoke and hints of molasses and prunes. Very well layered aroma here.
The flavour profile isn’t as rich and hard hitting as we’d hoped. In saying that though there is a big earthy character upfront which leads in to mild cherry, dark chocolate and molasses midway. The lightly roasted nuts are introduced as it rolls in to a relatively soft, dry and roasty finish which shows some good length on the back end.
The texture is smooth as silk but maybe a little too lean, especially now as it warms. Very well concealed ABV (7.3%). Little to no bitterness. Medium body and co2.
We’d be lying if we didn’t say we were expecting a bit more from this. It has been dressed up to perfection but for 26 bucks a bottle it hasn’t overly impressed us. Good but not great.