Beer doesn’t get much inkier than Older Viscosity, which almost spills out of the bottle like motor oil. But this highly viscous, low carbonated liquid doesn’t trap the wealth of aroma emanating from the glass: Dark cherries, plums, coconut, and vanilla -- the latter courtesy of oak barrels -- fill the nose along with a healthy dose of alcohol warmth. An intense sweetness that’s just a bit burnt around the edges assaults the palate before roasted notes swell up, accented by coffee and dark chocolate. Let the smooth, sherrylike liquid sit on the palate for just a second more, and the umami character blends with the oak’s vanilla characteristics to add savory depth. This well-constructed, syrupy beer continues with residual chocolate and a chest-warming alcohol presence long into the aftertaste.
