Sierra Nevada - Beer Camp Juniper Black Ale

Today's brew comes from Sierra Nevada's specialty Beer Camp line of brews.  This is a black ale brewed with Juniper berries, which supposedly adds a resinous, pine flavor to beer.  I don't think I've ever tried a beer brewed with Juniper before, so this should be interesting.  Not a lot of information available on this brew, but it's a sipper at 8.0%ABV.

The beer is a thin blackish brown with a light tan powdery foam that really clings to the glass.  The aroma brings a fermented, sour berry scent, it may even be raisins.  I'm not exactly sure what juniper smells like, so I imagine that's what I'm smelling here. 

The drink starts off with a lot more bite that I expected.  Spicy, earthy, herbal hops start things off, really nips at my tongue.  From there the drink transitions into a completely different realm into a creamy, roasty malt sweetness.  It's a Jekyl and Hyde brew!  The taste finishes up with a strong layer of ground coffee, cream and a hint of bittersweet chocolate. 

Overall Rating:  This is definitely an interesting and unique beer, unlike anything I've ever tried before.  Honestly not my favorite, but I enjoyed the complexity and flavor roller coaster this brew provided.  I'm not sure what Juniper alone actually tastes like, so I can only guess what it adds to this beer.  But I do know this is one spicy, roasty, warming glass of beer that would be ideal for the winter season.