BrewDog 5 A.M. Saint


Even though this is labeled as an amber ale (iconoclastic at that), this beer poured darker than I thought, and had more head than I expected. The head is huge, and slow to fall. As it does, the top keeps a creamy, cloud-like form with dimples and valleys. The lacing is solid.

The aroma is stronger than I expected. It has a very strong hop profile (no wonder Nash / The Hart and Thistle used this in their Brewmaster's dinner a week or so ago). What scents are in the hops are a little different... it has the same brightness as grapefruit, but not the same smell. It's more like an orange peel. Actually, I've got it - it's more floral than fruity, really. The aroma has the "feel" of a tulip and a rose-like scent mixed in with some fruity undertones.

The taste doesn't quite live up to the hype of the aroma. It is a bit "unripe" like the home brew I made this past fall. It does get better as you get used to it, though. In the taste are flavours of perhaps lychee, flowers, a touch of pineapple and bitter citrus peel.

The body of the beer is medium. The bitterness makes it feel like it has a bit of a dry finish, but it's actually a bit more slick and sticky than dry. Overall, the mouthfeel is fine.

All-in-all, pretty good! I'd have another one of these again.