DRAFT Magazine

The Vermonster is a lovely pour, clear and dark brown with garnet highlights and a tan head that dissipates slowly. Soft and full, the aroma displays tantalizing clean malt sweetness and toffee notes that pull deep into the nose. On the tongue, however, this brew takes a hop-forward turn, starting with aggressive bitterness before an excellent dark malt sweetness smoothes out the swallow and holds. The beer’s huge hop display is reminiscent of an imperial IPA, with citrus, resinous, and earthy hops that assert themselves through the swallow, leaving behind a deep bitterness. Though it fills the mouth, the finish is dry with a sharp alcohol flavor that burns into the chest. Cellar this brew, and let the alcohol round out into a gentler finish.