St. Ides High Gravity Malt Liquor

The famous (or infamous) St. Ides malt liquor is now owned by Pabst.  The beers they own are contract brewed.

This 8.2% ABV malt liquor pours a dark golden in color with massive amounts of carbonation, but there is only about one-quarter to one-half inch of foamy white head that dissipates rather quickly, but actually leaves a medium amount of lacing down the glass.  The aroma is surprisingly akin to a Polish strong lager and much less sweet than I expected.  There is some sweetness, fresh harvested dry fall grain, some straw and a touch of lager funk.  Only a slight touch of green apple and no metallic notes. 

There is much more sweetness in the taste, nearing cloying but just enough hops are in this to prevent cloying, barely.  The taste is not as good as the aroma as an element of circus peanut sweet fruitiness enters in, and not in a good way.  This is not really that good, it is borderline drinkable, but still on the drinkable side.  Some high alcohol malt liquors taste so bad they are essentially undrinkable.  I am glad I finally got to try the Ides, but when I am seeking out a repeat malt liquor, it won't be this one.

Considering it is a cheap malt liquor, I would give the appearance and aroma of this a 9 out of 10.  However, I would give the taste a 3 out of 10.