Millennium and Utopias Tasting Notes, 2015

Millennium (MMM) MMM pours a completely still, deep brown. The aroma manages to pack dark chocolate, bourbon, cinnamon, Madeira, and caramel into a single whiff. Each sip of what should be a 21 percent bruiser is surprisingly smooth with a rich gooey body. In addition to the aromatics, each sip brings to mind maple syrup, vanilla, raisins, figs, and a decidedly vinous, vintage port-like quality. Astoundingly complex and enjoyable, this is one of those beers that make you want to build a time machine so you can stock your cellar to the brim.

2012 Utopias (10th Anniversary) This Utopias is amber-hued with no carbonation whatsoever. The nose is powerfully strong and whiskey-laden, but hints of toffee, toasted marshmallow, and a cornucopia of candied fruits cut through. The first sip is dominated by alcohol, but after the palate adjusts, there is plenty of sherry, fig, caramel, vanilla, molasses, and a hint of toasted hazelnuts. Three years of age has helped integrate the alcohol, making this an immensely enjoyable sipper. It makes you wonder, though, how good this could become with ten (or even more) years of age.

2015 Utopias The pour is totally still and amber-colored. Smelling too deeply heats up the nostrils. The aroma has an immense cognac-esqe alcohol presence that overpowers the maple syrup and vanilla notes hiding in the background. The alcohol, while far from hidden, is not nearly as strong as the nose would lead you to believe and is quite drinkable. The taste is sweet and gooey with loads of toffee, honey, port, and cinnamon. While this is a great enjoyable beer now, it will really sing if aged further. I see no reason why this couldn’t go another twenty-five more years.