Year of New Beer: County Series: Nelson, West 6th Brewing (Lexington)

Written By: Dion on 03/22/2017

A tribute to Gethsemane, the oldest operating Trappist monastery in the United States, Nelson opens with notes of grape, leather, and oak on the nose. Alcohol forward, warmth brings some of the classic dubbel traits to the forefront, as greater amounts of raisin and plum arise, along with additional hints of nut and charred oak. On the tongue, dark fruits are again intertwined with a warming alcohol, light caramel, and port barrel nuance. Complex and interesting in the way the beer opens up over time, with layers of flavor presenting at intervals. Oak, leather, and earthy tones all vie for attention as the beer moves toward a slightly dry finish. Another really nice beer from a West 6th program that is starting to make this look routine.