Nicollet Mauler Black IPA (Eastlake Brewing)

 

What to do while you are trying to kill time waiting for you kid and you find yourself on Lake Street? Try a new beer in a brewery you've never been to in a really cool building. I decided to try Eastlake Brewery & Tavern in the Midtown Global Market. I'll be sharing the brewery experience tomorrow.

There wasn't a lot of time, so decided on one beverage rather than a flight and smaller tulip glass rather than a full pint.  I will definitely go back and try both of their flights (they have 2).

 The Nicollet Mauler Black IPA pours black, just like it should.  There's a cream, almost roasty, color head. The nose had so many aromas. I got some floral notes, a bit of caramel, and a tiny hint of smoke or roast (not sure where that came from).  
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Then the sip. Wow. All the aromas come through in that first taste. I'm not a huge fan of licorice but it's there. Then you get everything else. The caramel and chocolate come through. A hint of the licorice. 

The problem with this beer is that complexity doesn't lend itself to a quick beer.  This one should be sipped, conversed over, let to warm a bit, swirled, and deeply enjoyed. I'll go back to try this again and take the time to really let it take over.