Alba Barrel Aged

◎ Appearance

Amber-brown and visibly hazy, presenting a deep, saturated colour typical of imperial-strength ales aged in wood. The unfiltered character leaves suspended yeast and particles in suspension, creating a cloudy visual presence. Head retention is moderate, with a fine, persistent ring of foam clinging to the glass walls.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with a striking combination of peat smoke and charred oak from extended whisky cask aging, followed by resinous pine and spruce needle notes that anchor the Viking ale's herbal character. Beneath these primary aromas lie layers of malty sweetness and a subtle earthy funk, with whisky barrel warmth threading through the composition. Light acidity and toasted grain notes complete the complex bouquet.

◐ Taste

The palate enters with pronounced piney and woody resin, backed by substantial malty sweetness and caramel depth from the imperial base malt bill. The oak presence is woven throughout the mid-palate, complementing rather than overpowering the spruce backbone, while low bitterness (12 IBU) allows the malt and barrel character to dominate. A gentle sourness and funk emerge in the middle, adding complexity and preventing the beer from becoming cloying despite its 11% ABV.

◑ Finish

The finish is long and warming, with the alcohol heat and oak tannins gradually fading into a lingering trace of spruce and peat smoke. A subtle drying sensation and the funky undertones persist in the aftertaste, creating a contemplative close to each sip.