Cabin Fever Brown Ale

Cabin Fever Brown Ale from New Holland Brewing Co.  Tried a sample of this at a local bar a few winters ago from the tap.  My unsophisticated palate at the time drew hints of asphalt from the flavor.  Let's hope I was just a young aficionado.

Smells like a smokey porter.  Looks like one, too.  Deep roasted barley; near charred.  Fully roasted aroma.  Sweet hop flowers describe the contour, making this one serve up an exceptional treat to the nose.

Oily-charred malts in the taste.  Like it smells, but darker.  Pretty reserved in the hops category when compared to the dark malts.  Dry as the label claims, with a tamer finish.  Very little astringency, but the alcohol is beginning to show face.  That being said, it only stands at 6% ABV.

A solid, as expected body to this brew.  Somewhere past medium, but not quite as thick as a stout.  Crosses over into the realms of a porter.  The malts-to-hops ratio, with the malts as the victor, renders this a highly drinkable option, and, for sure, I could see myself drinking a few of these while my wife imbibes hot cocoa in a cabin in the woods surrounded by the stark cold of winter.  Cheers!