Those that know my hobbies and passions, may assume that this article relates to hiking.

That wouldn’t be a big stretch, as I have written about the woods, forest, mountains, and nature, on occasion.

Those who have read even more of my material, might think this article is about something fantastic, or a short story, possibly fantasy related.

Devotees though, are aware that I originally started this blog to write about craft beer.  And, as you’ve likely now determined, this particular blog is about craft beer

Having spent the last day and a half hiking twenty-five miles through the forest on the Appalachian trail, I could make this post about how unbelievable a finely crafted beer tastes, after such exertion.  But, as I found this particular beer to stand spectacularly, without a hike preceding its consumption, I am highlighting its merits, unrelated to hiking.

To be fair, I hadn’t really loved Boneshire’s beers to this point.  The brew that I believed I would be most impressed with, LazaRis, disappointed my palate.  I have heard that the variants are quite good, and certainly intend on trying it again, but after having it several time, I’m not impressed by LazaRis.  The rest of the lineup has been decent, with a few above average highlights, Que Sera, the Holiday Reserve IPA, and the Caucus Race series have been solid, but I’ve been waiting for that one beer from Boneshire to rock my palate.   I can always find something enjoyable at when I visit the brewery, but it wasn’t until I had Dark of the Forest, that my eyes really lit up, my palate was intensely stimulated, and I was actually able to utter “Wow!” out loud.

Boneshire Brew Works – Dark of the Forest – This pours black as midnight, or dark as the very depths of the forest, with no sun shining through the trees.  There was very little head, which is likely acceptable, as that would have ruined the obsidian presentation.  Or, I may have failed to pour it vigorously from the growler.  The smell is prominently of a malty, rich, chocolatey, cup of coffee, then, in secondary scent accents, graced by notes of heavy cream, and sugar.  The body is chewy, heavy, and coats the mouth.   The taste is dominated by fudge, espresso and creme, and finished with a hint of coconut and vanilla, and bittersweet chocolate.  Though the mouthfeel is incredibly rich, this is an extremely drinkable beer, given the amazing balance of all the flavors, and intensely pleasing, chocolate dessert flavors that linger in your mouth.  Bring on the barrel-aged versions! (Bourbon, Rum, Port, would all be delicious.) Go try this beer, now. 9/10

Humbly yours,

J