New Holland has been known for it’s Dragon’s Milk, a bourbon barrel aged Imperial stout coming in at 11%. While the standard version comes off as too boozy for my tastes, they’ve produced a new series of variations, called their “Dragon’s Milk Reserve” that tempers much of the bourbon flavor and heat with things like mint and mocha, s’mores,  and Mexican spice cake. So far, all of them have been very tasty and well balanced.

I knew the moment I tasted this beer, it was going to be my BotW. The latest offering from their Reserve series is the Dragon’s Milk Salted Caramel. From the git-go, you know exactly what is coming as the aroma is all caramel. Like sticking your nose in a bag of Brach’s caramels with the wrappers removed. Sweet and just slightly burnt sugars but not acrid. And no bourbon booze/heat to be found.

The first sip is almost dream-like, super luxurious and smooth. Slight roast to help balance the sweetness of the caramel – the oh so creamy caramel flavor is seductive. Much like the aroma, no bourbon alcohol to be found, completely masked by the caramel. The salt doesn’t present itself immediately and takes a few sips to make itself known, very much a supportive role to balance the sweetness.

Definitely a dessert beer, a sipper that should be enjoyed in an overstuffed leather chair in front of a fireplace with a bear rug and a close friend. Simply an amazing beer. Keep it up New Holland.

Purchased on draft @ House of Pizza, downtown location, St. Cloud.