On this 10-year mark, Midnight Sun Brewing Company proudly releases its 1000th batch of beer - a larger-than-life Belgian-style Barley Wine (if such a style exists) simply called M - in commemoration of the enduring spirit that founded and sustains this little brewery in the extreme Northwest. Making M required a massive grain bill - seven seductive malts - boosted by strength-inducing Belgian candi sugar. Once original gravity hit 37 Plato, a frenzied fermentation ensued: four completely fabulous yeast strains, two of Belgian origin, transformed this sweet concoction into all that is beer. But not just any beer. A beer of madcap magnitude - 11.6% ABV. Character and complexity increased exponentialy while M meddled and mellowed for several months in all-American bourbon oak barrels. Blending the aged beer before bottling ascertained smoothness. M is mesmerizing, pouring dark and silky. Caramel and spice waft up from the glass; bourbon, molasses, leather and vanilla follow. The first taste proffers tobacco, burnt sugar and raisin with a sublime port-like finish, but bourbon - smooth, sensuous, brooding bourdon - is ever-present. The finish, a bit edgy like an American take on barley wine, provides the necessary leap toward overall balance. M is a precious gift to ourselves as well as you, seekers of beer-that-is-beyond-beer adventures... We are but mere mortals in the presence of M.
Beer Ratings and Reviews:
[1] Review by aracauna from Adairsville, GA, USA who has tried this beer (1/15/2006 10:19:55 AM)
"Very dark brown body is topped by a very fine-textured, creamy head. The aroma is rich. A bourbon barrel aspect is present, but it’s far from overbearing or dominating. Instead it meshes seamlessly into the pears, honey, brownies, bananas and a touch of floral perfume. The flavor is definitely sweet, but keeps from quite edging into cloying. The bitterness is balanced, so this obviously isn’t in the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot strain of barleywines. The rich maltiness, in addition to what was in the flavor, is a bit like maple syrup and pancakes. Hefty and satisfying. The liquid is very viscous and the carbonation provides an extremely creamy mouthfeel. Thanks to biz82 for the opportunity to try this one."
Aroma:
10/10
Appearance:
10/10
Mouthfeel:
9/10
Flavor:
8/10
Overall:
8/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.5)
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure Compared to this brewer's other beers: Not Sure
[2] Review by The_Beer_God from Newport News, VA, USA who has tried this beer once. (10/9/2005 6:08:49 PM)
"First, a HUGE thanks to biz82 on Ratebeer for sending this my way in a trade! Pours an opaque dark brown, about the color of a cola, with a thinned lazy tan head. The head fades out around the edge of the glass and becomes small bubbles. Aroma is VERY nice! Lots of raisins, molasses, maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, wood, light vanilla, and alcohol soaked fruits. Very much like Sam Adams Triple Bock. Oh. My. God. This is absolutely delicious! Lots of brown sugar, dark chocolate, raisins, molasses, bourbon soaked wood notes, rum soaked fruits, vanilla, and light tobacco notes. Indeed very port-like and sweet. Body is not quite as syrupy as expected. There's a mild carbonation feel to it. Some obvious alcohol warmth. Creamy at times as well. Very nice. Finishes with lots of raisins, light figs, bourbon and wood, molasses, vanilla, rum cake, chocolate brownies, and brown sugar. Very rich and very good! I wish I had an extra to age...."
Aroma:
9/10
Appearance:
9/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
9/10
Overall:
9/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.4)
Sampled: Bottle Sample Size: 22oz @ $0 Unit Cost: $0 per Pint
[3] Review by Vac from San Diego, California, USA who has tried this beer once. (9/13/2005 3:28:28 PM)
"Pours with a dark brown body topped by a thick head with a good amount of lacing. It’s sweet and full of candy sugar notes, malt and a touch of fruit. Full bodied, smooth and a touch dry."
Aroma:
7/10
Appearance:
6/10
Mouthfeel:
6/10
Flavor:
6/10
Overall:
6/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(3.1)
Sampled: Bottle
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure
[4] Review by E from Spring Mountain, PA, USA who has tried this beer once. (7/12/2005 6:12:32 PM)
"Poured a chestnut brown color with a small, light tan head that left spotty lacing on the glass. Aroma of vanilla, caramel malts, cherries, and oak. Taste of caramel malt, vanilla, dried fruits, hops, and light alcohol."
Aroma:
10/10
Appearance:
10/10
Mouthfeel:
8/10
Flavor:
9/10
Overall:
9/10
Final Rating, by Style:
(4.6)
Sampled: Bottle
Value of this beer for its style: Not Sure
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(4.5)
