Holsopple Brewing Ebony Ever After

Holsopple Brewing recently celebrated its first birthday with its very first bottle release, and that first release is already making me excited for more. Ebony Ever After, bottled by hand in the confines of the little brewery in Lyndon, comes on with a bourbon-laced aroma, having spent several months in Old Forester barrels. What you’re getting there, along with the dark ale’s roasty notes, is vanilla, creamy butterscotch and distinctive sweetness.

Take a sip, and you experience a medium-thick body that expands on the bourbon character with chocolaty notes. You like boozy beers? Because this is one, and at 9.1 percent alcohol by volume, you can certainly taste its contents. But the alcohol doesn’t overtake – this is a well balanced and pleasing beer that reminds one of a bourbon-barrel imperial stout.

I’d call this warming beverage a big win for a small brewery. The bottles won’t last forever, so get over to the brewery soon to get yours – I already went back for a second, and might get more. And while you’re there, check out the recently-expanded tap room – the brewery recently leased the adjacent space to nearly double the seating and room.