This week kicks off a series of Tuesday Tastings in which we review Zymurgy Magazine’s Top 50 Beers of 2011.  We begin with a beer made by a brewery that has become a household name.  The adventures, and occasional misadventures, of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery founder Sam Calagione were featured on the Discovery Channel series Brew Masters.  Dogfish Head prides itself on creating unique beers that delight the palates of even the most seasoned beer drinker and this week’s tasting is no exception.

Tied for number 34 on Zymurgy’s list, Palo Santo Marron is Dogfish Head’s off-centered version of the classic American Brown Ale.  Aged in massive barrels made of Paraguayan Palo Santo wood and souped up with 12% ABV, this is not your grandfather’s Brown Ale.

Appearance
One shade shy of pitch black, a tan billowing tan head forms at two fingers in depth.  A very inviting looking beer.  Excellent lacing lasts throughout the pint.

Smell
Sweet smelling notes of vanilla, caramel, and plum are noticed first.  Hints of chocolate and coffee are also present as is a bit of nuttiness.  The 12% ABV stalks in the darkness like a tiger on the prowl. 

Taste
Big sweetness hits hard upfront.  Molasses, raisin, and plum soon fade to caramel, chocolate, and a roastiness not unlike that sweetened iced coffee.  The drink finishes with a bite of alcohol, but not the tiger-like mauling that was expected.  The woodiness and slight smokiness is reminiscent of a bourbon but smoother and more mellow and without the hot alcohol of the spirit.

Mouthfeel
Very full bodied beer.  Heavy in the mouth; almost chewy.  Light to medium carbonation is complimentary to the overall feel of the beer.

Drinkability
A belly warming beer to be sure; the 12% ABV might be a bit much for some, but no one we know.  Wood aging adds layers of flavor like vanilla, oak, and a smokiness.  A hearty beer that takes the classic American Brown Ale and ups the ante.  Dogfish Head proves why its beers received the most votes of any brewery in Zymurgy Magazine’s poll.  Overall grade for Palo Santo Marron: B+


Palo Santo Marron

Up next on Tuesday Tastings: New Belgium Brewing 1554