Well I couldn’t hold out any longer.  I was going to let this precious bottle of the collaboration of two of the finest American breweries just sit there and stare at me everyday as I tip toed around it, trying to let it age gracefully.  Almost 5 months have gone by and I finally gave in.  Life And Limb is a collaboration between Dogfish head Craft Brewery(makers of the legendary 90 and 120 minute Pale Ales and the wonderful Forte) and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.(one of the best Pale Ales ever).  Brewed with a combination of the house yeasts from both breweries, Maple Syrup from right here in Massachusetts, barley from the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, CA, and Birch Syrup from Alaska.

It poured a dark molasses/ruby with a khaki thin foamy head.  I could smell light maple and smokey malt and chocolate.  The first sip was a full bodied creamy texture of sweet smokiness with a high alcohol taste(10% ABV) that felt nice and warm on the back of my throat.  There was a sweetness but not Maple.  The liquorice taste from the Birch syrup was more dominant.  I also caught a cherry brandy taste.  It is almost like a sweet Rauchbier.  There was alcohol and more birch at the finish.  It was not what I was expecting but I did enjoy it.  Definitely take your time with this one.