New American Elves' Revenge

This 9.0% ABV winter ale is from New American Brewing of Ankeny, Iowa. Based on its name, I wanted to get to it before we got too far out from Christmas. Per the bottle, it has hints of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

The beer pours a deep amber tinted with dark, jewel-like garnet. There is a short and short lived head of very light tan foam. The aroma is malty, caramel and dark fruits, with a fruity, yeasty tang and a whiff of herbs and spices. The taste follows the aromas, amping up the caramel and spices, with less of the dark fruits. The beer drinks very smooth, followed up by a tingling carbonation. There is sweetness, but the beer finishes dry.