Minneapolis Town Hall Wee Heavy Ale

Here's one that goes back eight years, with notes from January, 2005, the 8.5% Wee Heavy Scotch Ale from Town Hall. It's gone on to become a big favorite at the pub, and I remain a fan. Here's what I thought on it's initial release:


Dark plummy color, with cherry edges. largely opaque, with a thick at first, though thinning, yet durable tan head atop.

Roasty, bittersweet espresso in the aroma, quickly eclipsed by molasses and dates, a rich, sweetness,sticky, sappy (not in the sense of being maudlin or trite, but being like the leaking of a maple tree), and nearly indulgent, ...avoids resembling treacle, comes off sophisticated and very inviting.

The indulgence begins for real in the flavor, malt is king here, dark chocolate and toffee tones are felt foremost, carob, molasses, very full on the tongue, and tangy. This one washes luxuriously, almost sloppily around the mouth, but it's a so delightfully pungent in taste, I take pleasure in the mess. The 8.5% abv shines a little half-way into the glass, but doesn't stick out too clumsily. The warming attributes are well-appreciated,and expertly timed. (Mid-January in Minneapolis...it gets a little cold, you know.) Whiskey tastes come to mind, a little cognac, but the real flavor is a cross between dark Jamaican rum and port wine.

This is so tasty...so very nice...there, I've run out of things to say, and will simply state the obvious.

Due to it's strength, this one is being served only in 10 ounce portions at the pub, yet here I sit at home with a whole growler to myself...how much damage can I do?