Try?
I’ve written
previously about the great things being done with beers these days in regard
to non-traditional spices being added to them. This hard-to-find beer is
another example. And it is hard to find, it's just about the only Magic Hat
beer not listed under that company's section here on Epinions. Ravell is a
porter brewed with whole vanilla beans. It’s a seasonal beer by
availability, one I enjoyed on draft at my favorite Rhode Island multi-tap
establishment some time ago. Draft was the only form of the beer I saw in
this state. I haven’t seen it often in the 22 ounce bottles it comes in
anywhere, but I did manage to obtain a good supply from a favored
Connecticut retailer. The beer is jet black in color, with a huge tan head formation, and a rich roasty nose. The smooth coffee-licorice palate yields strong notes of vanilla, a silky oiliness ( I suspected oats, sure enough they’re used in this beer along with chocolate, carapils and crystal malts), and an incredible drinkability. The Ringwood yeast is not readily apparent, but there is a light touch of diacetyl. A little grassy hops in the finish. A great dessert beer, this is a porter float with the vanilla ice cream already included. It's great with a thick slab of chocolate cake too. Highly recommended, and a shame it’s not brewed year round.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
