Temple of Minerva

◎ Appearance

Deep brown to near-black in the glass with an opaque, dense body characteristic of the style. A thick, tan head forms on the pour and clings to the sides with persistent lacing. Minimal light penetrates the beer, reflecting its substantial malt bill and high color intensity.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with toasted oak and vanilla from bourbon barrel aging, underpinned by rich chocolate and roasted almond notes. Brown sugar sweetness threads through the profile, accompanied by subtle hints of dark cherry and plum. The spelt and Special B malts contribute a bready, slightly grainy undertone that grounds the sweeter top notes.

◐ Taste

Full-bodied entry with brownie batter and cocoa at the front, transitioning to complex mid-palate layers of toasted grain, caramel, and wheated spelt character. Roasted almond and black licorice notes emerge alongside gentle oak tannins. The 65 IBUs provide restrained bitterness that balances the inherent sweetness without overwhelming the bourbon-aged character.

◑ Finish

A warming, lingering finish that stretches through the throat with residual vanilla, oak, and roasted grain. The alcohol presence becomes apparent in the aftertaste, reinforcing the beer's imperial strength and aging complexity.