I’m back at Fat Jack’s in Bloomington, IL again for my monthly ABNormal Brewers steering club meeting. They had this collaboration beer from a couple of great breweries on tap, and I knew I had to try it.
According to the breweries…
LIFE-This beer is naturally carbonated to enhance complexity refinement, and shelf-life; the family of yeast cells in every bottle working in vibrant unison.
LIMB-The two syrups used in making this beer, (Maple and Birch) contribute to its unique and earthy flavor and symbolize the collaboration between Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head.
We are proud to share our two branches with the thousands of other vibrant branches those of fellow brewers and beer enthusiasts who collectively make up the craft brewing family tree.
Location: Enjoyed an 8 oz glass, at Fat Jack’s in Bloomington, IL.
Numbers: 10.2% ABV, 24 Plato OG, 6 Plato FG, 50 IBU, ~ 330 Calories
Ingredients: Hops: Bravo and Perle; Malts: Two-Row Pale, Pilsner, Munich, Caramel 60L, Wheat, Chocolate, Carafa II; Other: Maple and Birch Syrups.
Appearance & Aroma: It had a very dark and cloudy appearance, along with a very thick, creamy, tan head. There was a cocoa and raisin like aroma, which was obvious, but not very powerful.
Taste & Feel: It had a full body and was very creamy and smooth. The flavors up front were sweet with caramel and chocolate flavors. The caramel flavors continued into the middle with some raisin and date-like flavors becoming more apparent. The finish was quite warming with some sweet caramel flavors lingering for a little bit.
Food Pairing: This would go perfectly with an appetizer of maple bacon-wrapped dates and a nicely seasoned prime rib. A big beer like this certainly calls for an equally big, flavorful meal to match, which can pull out the cocoa, raisin, and caramel flavors.
Overall Impression: This beer was increcibly drinkable for how big of a beer it was. With the smooth and creamy mouthfeel and the complex mix of light cocoa, raisin, and caramel flavors, I really enjoyed this beer. Other than the warming from the alcohol, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell it’s over 10% ABV. While it could have been slightly more flavorful for my tastes, and probably was when it was fresh, this was a very good beer.
My Rating: 
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