The Bruery 7 Swans-A-Swimming Belgian-style Quadrupel Ale

The Bruery 7 Swans A Swimming. Belgian-style Quadrupel Ale. The seventh verse of our Twelve Days of Christmas series of beers showcases the rich, malty character of a Belgian-style quadruple. Happy Holidays! Alc 11% by Vol.

Appearance: thick, murky, bordering purple and black, with a head that lasts a blink  and nothing more, not enough to stay so I can snap a pic.

Aroma: dark fruit, light spices. huge malt tones, suggesting sweetness, molasses, grapes, dates, tobacco…other stuff.

Taste: Sweet fruity flavors climb on board the palate first, rich and luxurious. Medium-bodied, nondescript finish, sweetness lingers a bit on the palate. The tasty, tasty malt is the main thing here. I wish there was more, though.

Why am I so greedy? Why do I demand something extraordinary, isn't that an outrageous conceit? I need that otherworldly, ethereal specialness …is that too much? Perhaps? But, this is The Bruery, and there are certain expectations.

It may be over 10%, it may be malt-forward, but it misses the mark with the Belgian flavor. It lacks that spark. Take that particular insistence of mine away, and it's a damned tasty ale that works for right now. Yeah, the more I forget that stuff, I can let what it is sink in and enjoy it. Why not?

Finch's Secret Stache Stout

Finch's Beer Company Secret Stache Stout, Ale brewed with Vanilla. Chicago, Illinois. Alcohol 5.3% by Volume.

Appearance: solid blackness, cocoa/tan head, leaving lace. Looking good.

Aroma: cocoa and cream, and, yeah, vanilla. Espresso traces. Slightly sweet.

Taste: Smooth and creamy entrance on the palate. Low hop bitterness, all is calm and just a little sweet. Medium-bodied, loads of sweet, malty flavors, well-balanced.

The label art is inscrutable, and that space is free of any and all gobbledygook. Just the way I like it.

Utterly pleasurable and ridiculously drinkable. Good beer, you can drink it, what else do you want?

Finding Oliphant...and Jabba da J IPA

Jonathan is ahead of me, as we enter the halls of Oliphant.

The Oliphant logo, whatever it is (elephant? alien? African? Native American? walrus?)
on the wall, VHS tapes on the table and the back of Jason's head in front.
Don't feel too bad for the front of Jason's head, it's appeared plenty in the blog over the years.

Oliphant Brewing. Of all the breweries that opened recently around these parts, this one in western Wisconsin was at the top of the list for places I wanted to visit. This past Sunday, I was heading to Dave's BrewFarm with Jason and Jonathan, and Jason wanted to know if we'd like to take in another spot before hitting Wilson, WI. I cast a deciding vote for Oliphant, hearing so much from friends and the media, so off to Somerset we went.

Coming down Main Street, you have to keep your eye out for it, with the only sign that the brewery is near being a little one handing over a window with a Bud Light neon in it. Turn the corner, and pull into the parking lot, and another small sign with their distinctive logo hangs over a door. Here we are, settling into a small, cozy taproom with about 4 tables, 8 bar stools, plenty of board games on hand, and a TV meant for playing VHS tapes of favorite movies or old video game cartridges.

A rich and delicious 8.5% ABV Baltic Porter called Gaer Bear,
named after a guy named Gaer or maybe a bear.

A tasty rye saison with the strange name
of "don't get 2 close (2 my fantasy),
don't be afraid 2 touch the hand of the creator.
Stare into the lion's eyes and if u taste the candy,
you'll get 2 the surprise. Ah!"...or something like that.

Jonathan and Jason each decided to do a flight, but I wanted to drink a full glass of a couple of them. I picked "don't get 2 close 2 my fantasy", a rye saison named for a Ween song, and cryptically abbreviated as "dg2c2mf" on the chalkboard, and Gaer Bear, a Baltic Porter.




I liked the first, and loved the latter. But, as per usual, I didn't take notes while among friends in a social setting. Instead I chose to take home a half-liter growler of the IPA, and those notes will follow. Maybe I'll go back before too long, and get a growler of that porter for more notes. Or whatever other enticing ales they offer.

Here's a peek at the taps at the Oliphant taproom,
with various oddments and ephemera surrounding.

The taplist chalkboard at Oliphant. 

Since there was no one else in the place for much of our stay (we were told that the locals come out later on Sundays) , our bartender, one of the owners and brewers, Matt, did a lot of chatting with our trio, even giving us a full tour of their 5 barrel system. Matt seemed incredulous that we'd driven out from Minneapolis to see the brewery, (kept saying "we keep our heads down")and couldn't believe that we were aware of their doings. Well, guys, you have a Facebook page for a reason, don't you?

Also, the local media treats Western Wisconsin as the Twin Cities' neighboring playground, and we look at it as an easy getaway. An hour or so away isn't that big of a deal, especially if the beer that awaits us at the end is rewarding. And it was.

Here's the Jabba the J IPA,
which I enjoyed from a growler at home,
notes at the bottom.

Oliphant Brewing is a small, but ambitious operation with talent and imagination to spare. Anyone can come up with goofy names and a far-out logo, and maybe someone else would consider wooden, hand-branded coasters, but if the beers are not excellent, will it fly? We don't have to wonder, thankfully. Everything I tasted was top-notch, and satisfaction was reported from my companions. Things can only get better from here.

….and now, the Jabba the J IPA, a "whoda eeda whookie IPA", as Jabba would say, and it's 6.0% ABV. (Why the name? Matt and his gf has just seen "Hunger Games" and thought of the bird called "Jabber-jay", yet wanted to obscure it a bit and conflated it with the Star Wars Jabba, who's actually an H. Just more of the Oliphant's inspired nonsense.)

The Oliphant Brewing slogan.
Sure, what the heck, let's give that a try.

Appearance: Highly hazed, bright golden/orange coloring. Large and lasting, snowy white head, leaving lace. Looks fantastic.

Aroma: soft citrus and pithy pine. Grapefruit, orange, and forest floor. Slice of lime, splash of mango.

Taste: Ah, yes. Once on the tongue, it's a hoppy blast and an utter delight. Bright and lively hop attack, awash in citrus zest. Hop bitterness brings an astringent urgency next, which is soon whisked away and sent off softly. A smooth one, this, and especially delicious. Medium bodied, with a long, fruity finish.

I forgot which hops are in this, but I seem to remember that it was all of the good ones. Additionally, this one is a dream to drink down. I'm practically in love with it.

Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine-style Ale

You know what

beer I love that I haven't had in a while? Great Divide's Old Ruffian Barley Wine-style Ale, that's what. Brewed and bottled by Great Divide Brewing Company, Denver, Colorado. Bottled on: Dec. 13, 2013. 10.2% by Vol. In true Great Divide fashion, two words accompany the beer name: Hefty. Hoppy.

Here are my original notes from back in February, 2005:

Aroma: Pours out a deep crimson, though clear, coloration, and has an enormous head, huge, cocoa-colored, long-standing, lovely...and, would you believe, the bottleneck bubbled over, with bubbles after the pour!  Leaves considerable, and attractive, lacing, as it diminishes, as well.

Aroma: huge, rich, full of flavor, a jar full of toffee with butterscotch dipped in for fun, with chocolate cherries on the side, and a snit of brandy waiting in the rafters.

Taste: big, bold, and boozy. Huge, rich, and full, utterly dripping in dark fruits, caramel, toffee, and so much character that pretenders tremble in it's wake ...seriously, this is a true contender amongst the ranks of fine American barley-wines.  Large fruity/hoppy characteristic. Damnably tasty...I must take another sip...dastardly delicious...yet nearly thick with flavor, ...yum, the intensity of flavor does not detract from the overall deliciousness...big, rich, and mighty...a damned good barley-wine.
I've got to stick some away for a rainy day.

Let's look at the label: "Old Ruffian is a hefty, hop-forward Barley Win-style Ale. Seemingly mellow at the start with subtle fruit aromas and complex caramel sweetness, it quickly becomes aggressive with it's bold hop flavors and huge hop bitterness. Ultimately, the big body, succulent sweetness and massive hop character came together to work wonders on your palate. 90 IBU."

 Then, some medals. Then some food pairings. And that's about it. And, 10 years after, I agree. It's a classically monstrous barley-wine in the American fashion. Love it.

Dave's BrewFarm 007

Dave's BrewFarm 007. 5.6% ABV.

Appearance: clear, bright amber color, large and lasting, creamy white head, leaving lace, looking lovely.

Aroma: Hops hit first, crystal clear and clean, fruity esters shining through, along with citrus hop notes, touches of the tropical. Nice.

Taste: Hops dance again on the palate, though their presence is downplayed. Malt sweetness takes the stage and they meet halfway. Excellent balance, consummate drinkability. Medium body, long hoppy finish. Tasty stuff. In a class of it's own.

What's Farmer Dave say? "Not as much mystery and intrigue as Mr. Bond, this German ale is well-hopped with Columbus, Nugget, and Brewer's Gold hops, Pale and Caramel-20 malts and fermented with "#1007" yeast (but I shortened it to make it "intriguing…").

More I drink it, the more I dig it. Beautiful.

Lagunitas the Hairy Eyeball

Lagunitas The Hairy Eyeball. Perihelial Release. (Whatever that means.) IBU 56.66. OG 1.090. Alc. 9.1% by Vol. The Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, California.

I'm looking at notes from March, 2005, while I drink, checking to see if it stands up:

Appearance: Clear, crimson coloring, with a healthy tan head on top.

Aroma: rich and sweet, port-like, dark fruits, yeast, and spice. Heady.

Tastes: Huge flavor, dark fruits aplenty, cherries and grapes, berries and melons, lush and delightful....rich and tasty....zing, zing, zing, zoom, zoom, zoom...very tasty...9%? 'zat'all? Full bodied, long, rich, fruity finish.

A really nice barley-wine. Creamy, richly rewarding, just like a barley-wine ought to be...big thumbs up from me. (3/21/05)

On on 12/12/14, I say, yeah, that about says it, and it's still delicious.

Bell's Porter

Bell's Porter. Alc. 5.6% by Vol. We're looking at nearly 12 year old notes, from January, 2003:

Nearly black in color, with a full, dark tan head.

Aroma is rich and roasty, toasty, even slightly burnt.

Taste: Dark chocolate comes out on top, with hints of nuts and spices. Full-bodied, good texture, with loads of tingly hops. A fine rendition of the style.
1/14/03. What we have there is a more restrained, less hyperbolic review than those that I did around about then.

Label gobbledygook: "A robust porter brewed from a tasty blend of dark malts with a rich, roasted flavor. Enjoy it anytime, like now, for instance."

Bell's Amber Ale

Before I share with you some notes from April, 2003, there's something I need to explain. At that time, the purple-hued labels of the Amber Ale from Bell's featured a drawing of a heron. Now, they use a watercolor of trees, clouds, a lake. Also, I can no longer see myself tossing back a million of them, although it's a fine amber ale, I've lost the appetite for more than a few. Must. Have. Hops!

So, here are those dusty, but trusty, nearly 12 year old notes on what was once considered the flagship beer from Bell's, with some hyperbole tones down a bit…


I always seem to have unresolved questions for the Kalamazoo Brewing Company, and right now it's: what's the significance of the heron? Maybe it's the Michigan state bird, and I'm just an idiot...This was introduced to me as not only the "flagship" brew of Kalamazoo, but "the beer Larry drinks." Then I found out that when the K'zoo crew really get to partying, it's hard liquor...

Color is hazy orange, bordering on brown, and the head is a good inch thick, properly white.

Aroma is sprucey, piney, full of hops, fruity, but mainly pineapple and citrus. There's a touch of tart, but it's mostly sweet.

On the palate, nothing but smooth, smooth, smooth. Malt looms large in this ale, but it's perfectly matched. Hops are tingly, tasty, and not quickly forgotten. I can see tossing back a million of these.

4/13/03

Here's the tale the gobbledygook tells: "First brewed in 1985, Bell's Amber Ale embodies the heritage of our brewery and celebrates the nature of the Great Lakes region." Alc. 5.8% by Vol.

Lagunitas Brown Shugga'

Lagunitas Brown Shugga' Ale,  Sweet Release, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, California.

Appearance: bright amber coloring, with a big, lasting off-white head.

Aroma: Sweetness first, with hops laying low here, nice and malty.

Taste: Now we're getting started. Begins plump and powerful, a rich, caramel-toned malt explosion. There's a sharp edge to it, revealing a higher alcohol level. Is it merely 9.9%, is that all it is? I'm getting the brown sugar, but it's more toffee and rich, dark fruit notes, a little bit of hop bite shining through. Tasty, tasty ale, this one.

This is, as they say on the label, a unique ale, not really fitting any style or category, a thing unto itself. And I like it.

I first wrote about this beer in January of 2006. Looking back on those old notes, they seem like they were written by an idiot man-child. I will soon destroy them and erase them from the memories of all mankind. For now, I will fade back and luxuriate in the deliciousness.

"We believe this special ale is Something Unique. Feeding brown cane sugar to otherwise cultured brewery yeast is a kin to feeding raw shark to your gerbil. It is unlikely to ever occur in nature without human intervention. And it looks weird besides. But it has happened and now it''s too late."

Millstream Raspberry Latte Stout

Millstream Raspberry Latte Stout. Brewed and bottled by Millstream Brewing Company, Amana, Iowa. Raspberry Ale.

Appearance: Solid darkness, slim tanned head. Looking alright.

Aroma: Raspberry notes hit right away. Chocolate rises up and fairly swallows it, swiftly. Raspberry, chocolate and cream. Awfully nice.

Taste: Well, raspberry's there, and it's a stout. Smooth and creamy. Sweet and bitter. Fullish bodied, light, malty finish. The charms wear off soon, though. This one doesn't do much for me. It's okay, it's got flavor, but lacks the necessary thing that puts it beyond the mundane. Not that I'm saying it's mundane.

One more thing: I get the goofy latte-clutching raspberry, but, why, oh, why, does it have only one eyelash?

Boulevard Last Splash Wet-hopped Ale

Boulevard Last Splash Wet-hopped Ale. Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City, Missouri.

Appearance: dark amber color, clouded, slim but sure white head.

Aroma: Fresh hops ahoy! Plenty of citrus and a side order of pine. Grapefruit and melon. Pleasingly bold bitterness. Love it.

Taste: ah, there it is. All that goodness hinted at from the nose is here on the palate. Pithy, piquant, and something else that starts with P. Mmm, hops like we like them. It's medium/light bodied, with a long, hoppy finish. Splashes of sweetness here and there. Caramel malt lurks below the hops. Nice balance in this one. Tasty, tasty stuff.

Couldn't find the ABV on the label. If I had to guess, I'd say between 5.5% and 6%?
The label is also free and clear of any and all gobbledygook. Fine by me.

Tin Whiskers Short Circuit Stout

Tin Whiskers, the brewery formed by former electricians, with beers named for electrical terminology,  opened earlier this summer in the Mears Park neighborhood of St. Paul. I probably first tried them at Autumn Brew Review, and saw them and tasted them at various taverns about town. I finally made it to their taproom in late November, but that's not an appropriate occasion for note-taking. Well, looky here, now they've got bottles. And here's the first one…



Tin Whiskers Short Circuit Stout, Tin Whiskers Brewing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota. 5.8% Alc./Vol. This beer was brewed in 2014 on the month indicated below: Dec. There's a lot of helpful information on the back, which I will avoid perusing until I've reached my own conclusions.

Appearance: impenetrable darkness, under a full head of tanned foam. Dotted and lacy.

Aroma: Sweetness comes in first, there cola and nuts. Undertones of cocoa. Some roast.

Taste: It says Sweet Stout on the label, and that's what's coming out of the bottle. On the palate, minor roast, small hops, but full malt, and some amount of sweetness. Good balance, good drinking. A little milky, just a dose of sweet. An fine session stout. Nothin' wrong with that.

Let's look at that label now: "A full-bodied and roasty stout with a lingering sweet aftertaste and notes of chocolate." Appearance…well, you know, why just copy what I've already said?

Odell Gramps Oatmeal Stout

Odell Roots Release Gramps Oatmeal Stout. Odell Brewing Company, Fort Collins, CO. 6.4% alc. by Vol.

Appearance: solid black, with ruby edges, under a short, cocoa-toned head.

Aroma: Bittersweet at first, with chocolate, oats and cream coming through next. Cocoa and oats grown stronger with each sip. Rich cocoa flavor continues to fill the mouth. Roasted malts have hop bitterness to match. This is one satisfying stout. Yum.

Hey, what's it say on the label? "Inspired by our small-batch pilot system, the Roots Release series honors our experimental brewing roots and invites you to sample some of our favorites. Flaked oats and roasted malts give Gramps a full body and creamy smooth mouthfeel. Hints of chocolate, coffee and cream combine for a complex yet familiar taste of breakfast back home"

Boom Island Thoprock Wet

Boom Island bottle-conditioned thoprock wet. Boom Island Brewing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Handcrafted Belgian Styled. Alcohol 8.0% by Volume.

Appearance: hazed amber, huge, off-white head. Looks brilliant and inviting.

Aroma: fresh and floral. Citric hop notes and some slightly tropical. There's a Belgian twist in here, too, slightly sweet and a little funky.

Taste: Hmmm. Mmm. Hops are on top, nicely bitter, with plenty of malt behind. It's tasting fresh and delightful. Expertly consumable. Lean, but not necessarily so clean. Funky fresh, and ever so lovely.

I like this Belgian IPA, and I like it's wetness. here's what the label tells us: "How fast can you open this bottle? This Belgian-style, fresh hop IPA was made with hops that were grown on a small Minnesota family farm and rushed at breakneck speed to the brew kettle. Why the hurry? Because fresh hop flavor fades fast. Enjoy it now!"

Hm. I don't know how old this bottle is. I just heard of it, and bought it as soon as I saw, and opened it a week later. Maybe that's the problem, that I didn't open it as soon as I took it home? Oh, wait, there's more, as always: "The skinny on Thoprock Wet: The assertive hop bitterness of this wet-hopped Belgian-style IPA is balanced by a clear malty backbone. It finishes with the flowery, citrus flavor of fresh Centennial hops. It's deceptive 8% ABV is achieved through a special Belgian fermentation process."

Finch's Threadless India Pale Ale

Finch's Beer Company Threadless India Pale Ale, Chicago, Illinois. Alc. 6.0% by Vol.

Appearance: hazy, bright golden color, big, blooming white head.

Aroma: Citrus-y and sweet, lemon and orange. Wait…now comes the bitterness. Nice.

Taste: Bittersweet, once more, leaning on the sweet before the bitter. Smooth and light-bodied, drinks like a dream. It's unfiltered, too, and I love that. Bitterness hangs low on the palate, and lingers lightly.

I could use a bit more of a hop punch from this, but as it is, hey, it's a good beer and you can drink it.

Lagunitas Imperial Stout

Lagunitas Imperial Stout. Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, California. Unlimited Release. Alc. by Vol. 9.9%. IBU 72. OG. 1.082. Doggone Good!

Here's a little tale. A few years ago, I bought a bottle of Lagunitas Imperial Stout, and I posed a picture for this blog, (the only picture I've ever taken on my desk in my bedroom), but did not take notes on it. I assumed that, after all these years, I had already reviewed the beer. Later, I checked and couldn't find any notes. How was this possible? I looked for the beer again, and it was sold out. I held onto the picture, to use when I would find a bottle again. I can't explain how, but I just never remembered to get another, never saw it, never thought of it. Held on to that picture, though. Looking back, it's not that great a picture. Anyway, I finally thought to get one, and here comes the review…at last, at long, long last…

Appearance: dark as darkness gets, under a rich, roasted tan head, looking every inch the perfect part of an imperial stout.

Aroma: this has got it all. Vast, deep, dark and mysterious. Maple, molasses, cocoa, carob, and espresso. Great balance. Not too sweet, not too bitter, just right.

Taste: Thick, rich, lush, and heavy, in all the right ways. Motor oily. Black strap molassy. Mmm, mmm. Again, excellent balance, not too big, not too small, juuust right. Body is full as full can be. Rewarding richness, nonstop flavor delivery. As we get deeper in, more flavors unfold. Licorice, now. Treacle. A little sweet, but never bitter, and never too sweet. Just right. Here comes smoke, now, here comes char. Check them out, spooling off, reeling away.


the label has a typical Lagunitan verse on the side, full of fantasy and whimsy and psychedelic-surreal gobbledygook, that I have to put my glasses on to read. But I'm not going to type it. I will read it, though. Excuse me for a bit. Okay, I'm back. Having read it, I recommend it, it's amusing. (Okay, here's your easy pathway: this link.)The beer is worth it, and the small, silly tale is worth it, too, and the price is not dear, so it's easier to clear. ($5 a bomber? Da, comrade.)

Harriet Sooner or Later Belgian Blonde Ale

Sooner Or Later Belgian Blonde. Harriet Brewing Company. Further information unknown. (???)

Here we have the first Harriet beer review at the bitter nib from a growler, without the growler in the picture. Why? Because Harriet is one of the few breweries to take advantage of the change in Minnesota's laws that allow a brewery to fill a growler of beer from any other brewery, not just their own. (Eastlake is another doing so.) Before I returned all my Harriet growlers, I had…get this: 52. Now I'm down to 48. I think I still have a world record. Prove me wrong.

Appearance: lightly hazed, bright golden hue, slim white head.

Aroma: Sweet, fruity nose, followed by Belgian yeast. Floral notes, candy sugar.

Taste: Enters the palate clean and easy, neat as a pin. Lots of citrus and a little spice. I'll say "clean" again, 'cause that's what it is. Dry finish. Light body. Tastes like nothing else but a note perfect rendition of the style, which is what Harriet really does well. Spicy, fruity, lean and clean. Not bad at all.

Boulevard Nutcracker Ale

So, here we have Boulevard Nutcracker Ale. I haven't had this one in a while, and once more I'm not sure if my decade + notes are up to snuff. Or, maybe they are? So, we'll see. Here come the fresh ones, circa 2014…

Nutcracker Ale, Dry-hopped Winter Warmer. Contains Pure water, barley malt, wheat malt, hops and yeast. 7.8% ABV.

Appearance: hazy, caramel-brown coloring, dark and tawny, beautiful long-lasting off-white head.

Aroma: sweet, toffee-ish, a little herbal, a bit nutty, earthy. Major malt. Sweet 'n' nutty.

Taste: More sweetness meets the lips, tasty, tasty. Butterscotch and toffee. Malty and sweet. Minor hops. Yum. Dark fruit flavors come through, fine and mellow. Smooth, and delicious. The alcohol is starting to creep in. Mm, mm. Nifty nightcap, this. And damned delicious.

Here's what I wrote about 11 years ago….

Boulevard nutcracker
SEASONAL: Winter   IBU: 38   EST. CALORIES: 234   ABV: 7.8%

The time of chestnut-roasting may have nestled to the back of our memories now, but the chill outside still beckons for a winter ale, so let's see how this one holds up…Intriguing appearance, not quite brown, more than red, with a firm, but fallible, toasted tan head of foam. Aroma is evident at first pour, and on initial sniff we encounter mild spices, mellow fruit, dark ones, grape, cherry, plum, etc., and a solid, sweet maltiness. Taste: Nice hoppy buzz at the top, pleasing the palate, spicy/fruity flavor climbs to the fore and washes over the mouthfeel. At once sweet and somewhat sharp. Medium body, but full with flavor, with a tasty, pungent finish, that glides softly off the palate. Best-by date of 2/01/04 is stamped on the bottle, but this sample actually tastes better than the ones I had six weeks ago! Has a Belgian feel to it, actually. And I can dig it.

2/7/04

Full Sail Wassail Ale

Full Sail Wassail Ale, Winter Ale, FS Pub Series. Alc 7.2% by Vol. Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River, Oregon.

Appearance: dusky brown coloring, slim, cocoa/tan head.

Aroma: earthy, nutty , dark fruits. malty.

Taste: Little blast of hops up front, then it's the Malt Show, all day and night. Sweet and toffee-ish at first, tempered slightly by hop bitterness. Rich malt flavor. A little nutty, a lot sweet. Nice winter ale, but nothing special.

these are my notes on beer #6 of the 6-pack I bought because I knew it wasn't on the Bitter Nib yet, and it was only $8 a 6-pack. I wanted to take fresh notes, because I didn't feel like my old ones were good enough, but maybe they were? Here's what I wrote about this in January of 2003 (almost 12 years ago)"

Fine, sturdy, off-white head, dark brown color. Sweet aroma, but nothing too distinctive coming through. Faint hints of toffee, nuts, spices. Mild hoppiness, medium carbonation. Sweet maltiness. Very mild, very mellow, but to a fault. I like my winter ales with more of a kick, and this slides down too smooth for my tastes. Feels as if they were shooting for something like Anchor's Our Special Ale, but something held them back.  01/12/03.

Looking back, I think I said it well then.

Flat Earth Angry Planet Pale Ale

Back in 2007, the Flat Earth Brewing Company made it's debut with the Belgian Pale Ale, and followed it soon afterward with this beer, the Angry Planet Pale Ale, originally billed as Organic, (it seems that that's gone away) and the Cygnux X-1 Rye Porter, not particularly in that order. (Which means that I can't remember.) I was going through this blog recently and discovered that I still haven't added those here. I haven't seen any Cygnus in visits to the store lately, but I did pick up a bomber of Angry Planet. And I've got this nagging feeling that I wasn't impressed in my original notes, so I've decided to write new ones and give this beer fresh eyes.

Appearance: Clear, bright amber color, slim, but lasting off-white head.

Aroma: malty nose, with herbal and nutty notes. Earthy. English pale ale /ESB aromatics at work here.

Taste: Sweet and malty at first, with just enough hops for balance. Loads of malt in the flavor, here, medium bodied, with a long, malty finish. Definitely an English-style pale ale. Good drinking. Solid stuff.

What's the label tell us? "This is what happens when Mother gets angry. Angry Planet is a crisp, clean and satisfying American pale ale. Cascade hops are the star of this beer, giving it an orange citrus flavor and aroma. The malt's character is restrained to let the hops shine through. Angry Planet goes well on hot summer days with fajitas, pizza and pad thai."

Man, did I get that wrong! American pale ale? Cascade hops shine through? Am I basing my perceptions on what the beer used to be, versus what's in the glass? But, that is what I smelled and tasted. Sure, it's tasting hoppier now than it did at first, but I'd never have tagged this as an APA before they told me.

Huh. How about the ingredients? "American pale, Munich, Carafil and wheat malts, Simcoe and Cascade hops, American Ale yeast and St. Paul water. OG-1.086, 14 SRM, 48 IBU, 6% ABV.

I enjoy those moments when I write my notes and the brewer's information reveals that I am correct. Then there are the times that I am left embarrassed. Or should I be? The dark malt character definitely threw me off and led me away from seeing it as an APA. And, frankly, I didn't feel the Cascade hops were really shining all that much. Maybe it's the inured hophead in me? (Or is this an old bottle? No born on date anywhere.)

Although, halfway in, I'm now getting the Cascade, I'm getting the orange. But blended with caramel malt.



Here are the original notes from July, 2007:

On tap at Acadia.

Cloudy orange color...did they leave off the filter for this one?...little to no head on this pour.

Aroma:soft citrus from plenty of hops. Lightly tart. Almost right for style, but a bit muted...I want it to leap out at me. Not the case.

Orange rind and lemon peel in the taste. Very bright, but with a smack of bitterness.
(I don't have a lot of info on this one, it's not on the Flat Earth website yet, and word from the distributor is that it's Federally recognized as "organic" and that it's "just tremendous." And further word on hops, malts, alc.%, etc. is left to our imagination and/or guesswork. )

Nice hoppy kick continues on the palate, citric sweet with a slight sour ( a little too sour, mayebe) twist. Medium bodied, plenty of texture, easy-drinking, but not too smooth, just enough tumble and tickle to keep this tongue happy.

Well done, but not quite there yet. That little sour trickle at the end starts to really bug me, and doesn't really help ensure total satisfaction. Almost my favorite Flat Earth brew, except for that. Perhaps later batches may reduce this flaw?

feloniousmonk, Jul 19, 2007