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You are here: Home --> Forum Home --> General Forum --> Homebrewed Beer Reviews --> Old Ale aged on Sassafras (from Matt)

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zeith
Charter Member
Seattle, WA
41 Posts


I think I am the 3rd and final to be able to try Matt's Old Ale. I received the one aged on Sassafras which I was extremely excited for.  Package arrived slightly beat up even with a giant fragile sticker, but all the bubble wrap saved it. Was in fridge for 36 hours or so before cracking. Without further ado:
 
Appearance: Mahogany, slight amber/ruby. Long lasting head. Surprisingly clear compared to others' descriptions.

Aroma: Malt sweetness followed by caramel and then slight spice. The spice reminds me of rootbeer though I don’t know if I would have picked this up unless I knew ahead of time that it was aged on sassafras.

Flavor: Caramel malts, followed by slight raisin, finishes with herbal notes and caramel lingers on the palate forever. Esters are low on this batch, though that may be because I pick up so much caramel and raisin. Not cloying, just nice maltiness.

Mouthfeel: Creamy, running my tongue along the roof of my mouth I can feel some tannin but its subtle. It doesn’t feel thick and almost vinous at times. I attribute the wood to this.

Overall: Malty, dark, and awesome. I love the subtle spice/root beer from the aroma. It's easy to drink and super creamy. Almost nitro creamy, but the oak does wonders for this beer. Would drink again. This beer is awesome Matt.




Posted 34 days ago.

KidMoxie
Charter Member
San Elijo Hills, CA
405 Posts


Yum! Though isn't Sassafras a controlled substance? Where'd you get the goods, Matt!?



Posted 34 days ago.

homebrewdad
Charter Member
Birmingham, AL
2480 Posts


Nah, it's a tree.  Here is Alabama, they grow wild all over the place... they are largely considered to be the weeds of trees.



Posted 34 days ago.

Matt
Charter Member
Normal, IL
341 Posts


Thanks for your feedback man! It means a lot, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Confirms that the carbonation was a huge flaw in the beer Chino had so I'll need to pay more attention to that next time. 

Surprisingly, I didn't get any of the spice character you mention from it in my blind tastings, but if you're picking it up (and it isn't confirmation bias) it sounds like I may just need to give it a bit more time on the wood. 

Really glad you enjoyed it!




Posted 34 days ago.

KidMoxie
Charter Member
San Elijo Hills, CA
405 Posts


I'm not kidding, it's a controlled substance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safrole#Carcinogenicity



Posted 34 days ago.
Edited 34 days ago by KidMoxie

homebrewdad
Charter Member
Birmingham, AL
2480 Posts


Hah.  Used in MDMA and root beer. 

I don't care, it's still a weed. 



Posted 34 days ago.

Matt
Charter Member
Normal, IL
341 Posts


Looks like Safrole comes from the bark or leaves of the tree, so I imagine the wood itself is totally alright but I'll make some phone calls!

I got the wood from Black Swan Cooperage. 




Posted 34 days ago.

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