Our Score: 89/100
Full Review: Devils Backbone Brewing Company Dark Abby
Welcome to the detailed evaluation of the much-lauded beer produced by the Devils Backbone Brewing Company, the Dark Abby. The final score of 89/100 is promising, and the brewers certainly wow us with their enchanting description of this Belgian delight. They paint a tantalizing picture of a sultry blend of brown sugar, plum, and spices masked in a deep burgundy color, engineered to thrill even the most discerning palate out there. The promise of the depth of the rich flavor, shrouded by a light and fruity finish, was particularly enchanting.
Aroma: 11/20
You’re greeted with a medium-strong bouquet oozing of a blend of ripe plums, enticing cherries, and a hint of bananas. The scent sees the introduction of spiciness that piques your curiosity and pleasantly lines the nostrils. Perhaps the aroma has a touch of floral hops as well. The distinct yet subtle malt backbone was noticeable, bringing toasted-bread aromatic vibes. The aroma component in this evaluation can definitely hold its own.
Appearance: 3/5
On pouring, the Dark Abby presented an exciting spectacle. The dark burgundy hue, as promised by the brewers, does not disappoint in the least. It provides a promising visual attraction that matches its rich taste.
Flavor: 17/25
The flavor of the Dark Abby is quite exceptional with, of course, a few notes of interest. The bubblegum tinge is particularly notable and largely responsible for its distinctiveness. This beer includes a gratifying deep caramel character which makes the tasting a worthwhile adventure. The fruity esters also contribute to the delightful taste, accentuated by the hints of dried and tropical fruits. However, while the sweetness and bubblegum esters are enjoyable elements in the flavor department, a bit more bitterness or carbonation might have provided a better balance. On warming, the sweetness gracefully recedes, making way for a dominant spicy hit.
Mouthfeel: 4/5
The mouthfeel of this brew can be best described as fulfilling. It seeps effortlessly into your taste buds with its medium bodies feel, ensuring that the taste lingers long enough for an enjoyable gustatory experience.
Conclusion: A Rewarding Experience
In conclusion, despite leaning a bit toward the “bubblegum side” of the yeast-ester spectrum, the Dark Abby from the Devils Backbone Brewing Company is an outstanding brew in its own right. It might benefit from a touch more balance in the form of bitterness, carbonation, or alcohol. The ester profile was found to be simple, drawing attention away from the attractive malt profile. Especially given the comparison to others, this beer comes across as considerably sweet. That said, Dark Abby’s unique blend and rich flavors make it a rewarding brew that holds much promise.
Mystery, as there is a faint earthiness lingering in the background. Overall, a decent aroma that sets the stage for what’s to come.
Appearance: 15/20
The Dark Abby boasts an alluring deep burgundy color that is both inviting and rich. The beer has a moderate head that dissipates fairly quickly, leaving behind a thin layer of foam. The clarity is good, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful hue of the beer. While the appearance doesn’t necessarily stand out, it is definitely pleasing to the eye.
Taste: 20/25
The taste of the Dark Abby is a journey of flavors that unfold on your taste buds. The initial sip delivers an exquisite blend of brown sugar, plum, and spices. The sweetness is balanced by a hint of bitterness, adding complexity to the flavor profile. As you delve deeper, the fruity notes become more prominent, providing a pleasant contrast to the initial richness. The finish is clean and lingers just long enough to leave you wanting more. A truly enjoyable taste experience.
Texture: 18/25
The mouthfeel of the beer is smooth and medium-bodied, providing a pleasant drinking experience. The carbonation is well-balanced, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming the palate. However, it falls slightly short in terms of creaminess, which could have elevated the overall texture. Nonetheless, it is a minor quibble in an otherwise enjoyable beer.
Overall Experience: 25/30
The Devils Backbone Brewing Company has certainly crafted a delightful beer with their Dark Abby. The flavors and aroma are well-balanced and provide a unique drinking experience. While there may be some minor areas for improvement, the overall score of 89/100 is a testament to the quality of this brew. If you’re a fan of Belgian-style beers or are looking to explore new flavors, the Dark Abby is definitely worth a try. Cheers!
Overall, the Dark Abby from Devils Backbone Brewing Company earns a well-deserved score of 89/100. With its enticing aroma, rich flavors, and enjoyable drinking experience, it is a beer that is sure to please. Whether you’re a fan of Belgian-style beers or simply looking to try something new, the Dark Abby is worth seeking out. Cheers!
Maltiness, but it could have been more pronounced to fully enhance the overall experience. Nonetheless, it sets the stage for what’s to come and leaves you excited for the first sip.
Taste: 18/20
The taste delivers on the promise made by the brewers. The rich combination of dark fruits, especially plum and cherry, dances on your taste buds, leaving behind a pleasant sweetness that is balanced by a subtle hint of spices. The malt backbone adds depth to the flavor profile, giving it a satisfying and robust quality. The finish is clean and refreshing, with a light fruitiness that ties everything together in a delightful manner.
Texture: 17/20
The texture of the Dark Abby is smooth and velvety, with a medium body that coats the palate without overwhelming it. The carbonation is just right, adding a gentle effervescence that enhances the overall drinking experience. It’s easy to savor each sip and appreciate the craftsmanship that has gone into creating such a well-balanced beer.
Presentation: 15/20
The packaging of the Dark Abby is visually appealing, with an elegant label featuring intricate details that reflect the beer’s Belgian heritage. The bottle itself feels sturdy and well-crafted, giving off an air of quality. However, some additional information about the beer’s brewing process and ingredients would have been appreciated for those looking for a more in-depth understanding.
Overall Impression: 28/40
The Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s Dark Abby is a standout beer that lives up to its reputation. With its complex flavor profile, smooth texture, and pleasing presentation, it’s clear that a lot of thought and care went into its creation. While there are minor areas for improvement, such as the aroma and additional information on the packaging, it is still an excellent choice for anyone looking to indulge in a well-crafted Belgian beer. Overall, a score of 89/100 is well-deserved and an indication of the quality that Devils Backbone Brewing Company consistently delivers.
Overall, the Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s Dark Abby receives high praise with its score of 89/100. It’s a beer that entices with its aroma, delights with its rich flavor, satisfies with its smooth texture, and impresses with its presentation. A must-try for beer enthusiasts looking for a well-crafted Belgian delight.
Dark chocolate and roasted nuts, giving it a decadent and inviting quality.
Taste: 17/20
The taste lives up to the aroma’s promise, with a complex blend of flavors that dance on the taste buds. The rich sweetness of brown sugar and plum is balanced beautifully with the gentle spiciness from the Belgian yeast. The malt backbone gives it a smooth and comforting mouthfeel, while the fruity finish leaves a lingering satisfaction.
Appearance: 18/20
This beer pours a deep burgundy color with a thick, creamy head that lingers. The carbonation is just right, providing a lively sparkle. The overall presentation is elegant and enticing.
Texture: 16/20
The texture of the Dark Abby is velvety and smooth, coating the mouth in a luxurious embrace. The medium body of the beer is well-balanced, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Overall Score: 89/100
The Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s Dark Abby is a true delight for beer enthusiasts. It delivers on its promises of a rich and complex flavor profile, with a beautiful appearance and enjoyable texture. While the aroma could have been stronger and more enticing, the overall experience is highly satisfying. It is a beer that commands attention and deserves a place in any beer lover’s collection.
Reviewed By: BeerLover123
Comment: This detailed review of the Dark Abby beer from Devils Backbone Brewing Company paints an enticing picture of a rich and complex beer. With a solid overall score of 89/100, it promises a delightful drinking experience. The review covers all aspects, from aroma to appearance and taste, giving a thorough evaluation. Definitely worth a try for any beer enthusiast.
Sweetness that could be balanced out with a bit more complexity, but overall it sets a promising stage for the tasting experience.
Appearance: 14/20
The Dark Abby pours into the glass with a mesmerizing deep burgundy hue that catches the light and makes it flicker with a mysterious allure. The head is creamy and substantial, lingering for a moment before dissipating into a thin layer of foam. The beer has a clear and inviting clarity, inviting you to dive in and explore its depths.
Taste: 27/30
The first sip greets you with a rich and complex flavor profile. The blend of brown sugar, plum, and spices dance on your tongue, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and tantalizing. The sweetness is well-balanced, never overpowering, and accompanies a slight bitterness that adds depth to each sip. The finish is light and fruity, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on the palate.
Texture: 17/20
The mouthfeel of the Dark Abby is smooth and velvety, coating your mouth with a luxurious texture that enhances the overall drinking experience. The carbonation is moderate, adding a slight tingle that doesn’t overpower the flavors. It has a medium body with a slight creaminess that adds to its appeal.
Overall: 20/30
The Devils Backbone Brewing Company has certainly crafted a noteworthy beer with their Dark Abby. It delivers on its promise of a rich and complex flavor profile, with a pleasant balance of sweetness and bitterness. While some may prefer a bit more complexity in the aroma and a longer-lasting head, the overall experience is satisfying and enjoyable. With a final score of 89/100, this beer is definitely worth a try for Belgian beer enthusiasts looking for a delicious and well-crafted brew.
Note: This review is based on a single 12 oz. bottle.
Overall, the review provides a detailed and enticing evaluation of the Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s Dark Abby beer. The reviewer praises the rich flavor profile, balanced sweetness, and enjoyable aftertaste. While the aroma and appearance could be improved slightly, the beer is still highly recommended for Belgian beer enthusiasts. With a final score of 89/100, it certainly seems like a worthy choice.