Berserker, from Midnight Sun Brewing Company, is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood Aged Beer (Category 33B) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.
Berserker pours a deep, impenetrable black topped with a long lasting deep brown head that invites the drinker in to explore further. This beer displays its complexity from the first sniff; it is a cornucopia of spicy alcohol, bittersweet chocolate, dark roast coffee, roast malt, caramel, black cherries, plums, figs and a light resiny hop aroma. A light bourbon whisky note and a hint of vinous character rounds out the aroma. The flavor follows suit with even more complex fruitiness and vanilla notes from barrel aging. High hop bitterness and moderate alcohol warming develops in the middle and lingers long into the medium finish. The hop bitterness could be toned down just a touch as it lingers a bit long and tends to dominate the aftertaste. The whisky character continues to grow as it warms complimenting the base beer. The full body offers a velvety texture to round out the overall enjoyment.
Although the maple syrup and molasses are not overtly noticeable, they do add an additional layer of richness and depth to an already complex beer. Enjoy this one slowly!