Massive thanks go out to Gregg for the opportunity to try this. Delighted to have the chance, and also humbled by his generosity.
22 oz bottle – silly label that does no favors for craft beer. (I agree with the Bros. comments in the mag about this).
Pour is an attractive, deep chestnut brown with some red highlights. Head is a mocha color with some decent retention and a little wispy lace.
Nose has the expected (but unwanted), fresh green hop note. Not much to say other than I don’t want it, and it masks all of the malt notes and sweet nutty character that a brown ale should have.
Tastes reflect the nose, BUT the hop profile does NOT screw-up the sweet malts and nuttiness to the extent that the nose would suggest. In that respect it was better than I expected, although the green hop presence still takes much of the joy of the brown ale style away for me. The finish has a bakers chocolate/cocoa dry finish which I enjoyed.
Overall the beer is NOT the worst example of an American Brown Ale that I’ve had, BUT of course I really don’t want significant hop features making all the good stuff (malts, sweetness and nut character) that I want in my browns. As such obviously my review is not especially objective so take it or leave it. However, as expected, not my cup of tea.