Second Beer Of Christmas

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me: 2 Turtle Doves from the Bruery.

2 Turtle Doves is the second in the 12 Days/Years of Christmas Services. We decided to take our inspiration from the name and base the beer on the "turtle" candy, brewing it with cocoa nibs, toasted pecans, caramelized sugar and a lot of caramel malts. Somewhere between a Belgian-style Dark Strong Ale and an Imperial Porter, this beer is designed to take the journey through time until 12 Drummers Drumming.

ABV: 12%, IBU: 25, SRM: 30, Release: Winter 2009/2010

I enjoyed this beer with my two brothers over a festive pesto chicken dinner. This one is dark, dark, dark with lots of caramel malts that have been roasted until they produce a black brew. No chance of seeing through this beer. Strong and almost syrupy with a ton of chocolate and coffee notes.

The initial taste showed off the toasted pecans and really brought the turtle candies to mind that this beer is named after. Then the cocoa savor dominated as it lingered on the back of the tongue and roof of the palette.

A roasty, toasty, taste extravaganza, but at 12% ABV, not for the faint of heart.