The latest limited release (very limited release) from 3 Ravens has undergone quite a journey. It takes the concept of last year's first Ale Noir (a Geelong Pinot Noir barrel-aged take on their Dark smoke beer) and adds another dimension. The barrel that was used last time around was refilled with Dark beer which spent ten months maturing. A second batch of Dark was placed into a fresh Pinot barrel for six weeks and then the two were blended. The result is a 6.5% beer that brewer Dave Brough says has "a big oaky, vanilla and earthy phenolic nose". There's a thinner body than last year's as there was less malt to "fatten it up", he says, which along with the slightly acidic notes and long, dry finish give it a vinous character. As for the palate, it's "a full bodied Pinot spiced with subtle malt sweetness and peated Scotch notes". There's only the tiniest handful of kegs so keep your eyes peeled for where they turn up. It will also be released in 750ml bottles and Crafty will be grabbing one next week for a sample.
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