Free Will continues to come across my radar with interesting, unique, and boundary-challenging beers. Though it has been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to review anything from Free Will, the presence of two, available, barrel-aged beers, provides ample prodding to pit them against each other, and write a review. The fact that these two beers feature pictures of dogs, both with names that seem to be attached to these canines, makes for an interesting scenario. I assume that these are dogs of particular significance to those involved at Free Will, and likely amiable, and lovable on their own. My intrigue is sparked by pitting their namesake beers against each other.
Enter the challenge of Ella vs. Ralphius. These wonderful dogs would likely never compete against each other in real life. As for the beers, they certainly deserve to know which is better. Let the challenge commence!
Ella – Belgian style ale aged in apple brandy barrels – 12.8%
Judge A – This beer is a murky, muddy, hazy, brown color. It is mostly opaque with a very thin traces of head languidly floating on top of the beer, with a white ring around the surface that clings to the sides of the glass. The smell is of fresh pressed apple cider, rich malts, caramel, and dark fruits. Figs make a showing as well as banana. Notes of grape come through after the dark fruit smell subsides. The mouthfeel is thin, and reveals a watery mashup of a belgian dubbel, exotic spices, apples, caramel, slight woodsy notes, and a massive amount of heat. The smell of this beer is a magical amalgamate of fall delicacies, but the taste leaves the drinker at the tail end of the season, when the leaves begin decomposing, and a musty, moldy, withering occurs. Throw in some booziness to this flavor and this is how this beer tastes. Ella is whimpering right now. 4.5/10
Judge B – This is a dark, golden-rust colored beer. Apples are predominant in the nose, as well as noticeable butterscotch. Dark fruits also come through, though plum and blackberry are the highlights. The taste is strongly of vanilla, with notes of oakiness. There is formidable spiciness in this beer, with hints of apple, and substantial booze. It is very sweet, and has elements of grape as well. As it warms it becomes more enjoyable. 4/10
Ralphius – Russian Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels – 15.1%
Judge A – The body is very obviously, dark as midnight. Again, there is minimal head, the display of head mimics that of Ella, but with a mocha coloration. The carbonation is more substantial in this brew as well. There is a robust bourbon smell to this beer that is accented with roasty malts, licorice, and molasses. There is a nostril-stinging element involved, assumedly from the booziness, with wisps of vanilla on the back-end. The flavor is smooth, rich, creamy, and boasts dark, roasty malt elements. Strong bitter coffee follows, accented by caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and mellow bourbon. The high abv is well hidden by the flavors, and less heat is perceived compared to Ella. I can picture Ralphius wagging his tail and producing loudly, with slightly guttural sounds, “Woo, Woo!” into the air. 8.5/10
Judge B – This beer is incredibly dark, and looks similar to Coca-Cola. The smell is reminiscent of candied fruit, and caramel. There are woody, earthy elements notable, with a tinge of sourness. There are strong elements of coffee, with elements of chicory coming through. It starts out very strong and bold, and a little assaulting to the taste buds. But, it mellows to a soft creamy finish. The bourbon smacks one in the face initially, but then mellows, allowing appreciation of the complexity of the beer. 5/10
While both of these dogs are surely amazing creatures, the beers bearing their names are clearly bear different evaluations. Ralphius is the victor tonight. But different palates may present dissenting opinions. Please seek out these two beers from Free Will Brewing Company, and decide for yourself!
Humbly yours,
J