#52BottlesOfBeer: 19- Category 12 Anomaly Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Ale

Friday comes to us all- and with it comes a chance to relax and explore the possibilities that the weekend has to offer. Sometimes, an anomaly catches us aware, and makes us rethink what we know...

Just like their "Epiphany" brew, Category 12 Brewing's Anomaly Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Ale has a very appealing label- which, when paired with their "Epiphany" label make a nice set. It's interesting and eye catching without being overpowering or too busy. I love the geometric nature of it, and the way the colours are used. The font used for the "Anomaly" portion is stylish, and fits well with the rest of the design in my opinion. It gives you sense that there's something truly unique and "anomalous" about this particular beer.

This dark ale is definitely dark. It's got a rich- almost coffee-like darkness to it. I enjoyed the colour and the nice head of foam that formed upon pouring.

While this dark ale is only 8.8% in strength, that first sip made me winch and cringe. The first thought that came to mind was that it tasted like coffee that had been left on the coffee maker too long, and absorbed the flavour of the burnt portion on the bottom of the pot. I was hoping that the first sip was just a taste anomaly- but I was wrong. subsequent sips tasted much the same- burnt and harsh... like licking charcoal at times. I struggled to get through the bottle, even pausing for several seconds in between sips, and taking a bracing deep breath before diving in again. I got through the bottle- but it was a chore.

Given that anomalous burnt taste, I don't think most people will get enjoyment out of Category 12 Brewing's Anomaly Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Ale. I know I didn't. I have to give it an "Ugly".

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