Monte Cristo

◎ Appearance

Deep ruby-garnet colour with excellent clarity, presented in a distinctive black bottle that references sherry's packaging. A dense, tan head forms with the pour and demonstrates firm retention, clinging to the glass in structured lacing. Fine carbonation supports a full-bodied visual presence.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with pronounced vanilla and toasted oak from eleven weeks of sherry-cask maturation, creating a sophisticated woody foundation. Secondary notes of roasted hazelnut and milk chocolate emerge, accompanied by subtle pepper spice and a gentle vinous character that deepens as the beer warms.

◐ Taste

The palate enters rich and full-bodied, with oak and vanilla establishing a creamy mid-palate that echoes the aromatic promise. Dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and a light spice develop smoothly; the 11.5% alcohol provides warmth and depth without harsh burn. Modest hop bitterness (25 IBU) remains restrained, allowing the malt's complexity to dominate, while a drying minerality builds toward the finish.

◑ Finish

The finish extends cleanly with lingering vanilla and dry oak, the vinous quality becoming more apparent as heat settles. A subtle hazelnut warmth persists in the aftertaste without becoming cloying.