Minneapolis Town Hall Elves Elixir 2012

Elves Elixir 2012, Town Hall Brewery. I didn't realize this was a brew that was new every year. I thought that was up to the Festivus series. Well, I guess there are two.

Fully ebon appearance, with a thick, lush, stable head of cocoa-tan foam.

Aroma: Soft and creamy, some chocolate, some fruit, a little raisin and fig, maybe maple and molasses. Hugely malty, deep and delightful.

Taste: Full-bodied, rich, fully textured, fully flavored. Begins big, malty, slightly sweet, with a bitter edge, ends on the dry side. A bit roasty, while not too much so, with a mild, hoppy edge. And that's an edge that I'm enjoying.

(Here's the official description: Elves Elixir, 8.7% ABV, A strong Beltic Porter is this year's Elixir with rich melding of dark chocolate, caramel, and cherry fruit notes. Keep your cheeks rosy!)