SWB - Dr. Paracelsus Bombastic Indigio Elixer

To describe this as anything less than an "odd duck" would be to undersell it massively. I couldn't really define the type of beer it was though it felt like a regular old dark ale... That was the only regular thing about it though, from that point on it turns into a mad scientist experimenting on animals that no longer exist with tools made out of gummy worms. It just has such confusing flavour and aroma combinations that are, in many ways, like trying to navigate a maze by having potted plants thrown at you from a sky ship hovering 50 metres above.

On the nose I got figs, I got blackberries and sloe gin as well as fizzy cola bottles and a heavy snoot full of booze, which somehow translated into it tasting like coffee, fruit juices with a tinge of root beer, culminating in an extremely rich and undeniably interesting drink that, at 8%, isn't winning any prizes for subtlety but is definitely taking the ribbon for creativity and, frankly, sheer bravery.

Bravery? Yeah, bravery. You don't make, bottle and sell a drink like this if your repertoire is weak. You produce beers like Dr. Paracelsus if you're a total badass who eats lightning and craps BIGGER LIGHTNING! The skill that goes into making something like this is beyond the comprehension of most mortal men and even in spite of that it's not going to be a beer that everyone's going to get along with, in fact I can see it pissing people off. I can imagine a lot of sour faces out there but mine was not one of them.

Dr. Paracelsus is definitely not for the poser - casual level beer fan. This is for the hardcore brew head with a hardened palate and a thirst for a challenge. Back off CAMRA, this ain't no weak sauce!

Food Suggestion: Eye of newt and deadly nightshade would probably be a good start. I really can't think of anything that would go with this and either match or compliment it. I reckon something relatively plain and unassuming that won't even try to add more to the party will be your best bet. Jacobs crackers and a level 3 strength cheddar it is then.

Try this if you like: Being challenged, though, more specifically, if you have ever tried International Arms Race by Brewdog and Flying Dog or Pannepot by Struise then you'll probably get a kick out of this.