Hell - Surly Brewing Company

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.95/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into my mouth during another one of the usual disc golf outings with cans. Nice vibrant yellow with a lot of clarity and carbonation running through it, pristine virgin white head on it. Aroma is lightly bready, grassy and floral at alternating moments.

Taste, wow, I'm going to have to give "zwickelz" another chance. This is enjoyable, its much like a good pilsner, thinking back to the old Czech Pilsner I used to drink in the Second Millenium. It is somehow a very good blend of smoothness, high carbonation, floral hops and crispness. Impressive. I wouldn't trade any Furious for it, but its probably one of my favorite lagers out there, in a style I don't completely understand.

In some ways, the mouthfeel is simple and clean, but it really has some delicate and appropriate touches and nuances. There's a little floral non hopped aspect, like some kind of literal flower petal in there, mild pepper notes, etc. . . Its kind of like an episode of the Simpsons, it can work on different levels, be it the simple punch in the crotch laugh or something a little more high brow at the same time (example, Duffman proclaiming in court while being sued by Duff Brewery for intellectual property violations: "Ever heard of 'Fair Use'? (hip thrust, OOOOHH Yeah).

Serving type: can

01-19-2013 21:38:18 | More by Beerandraiderfan

marlinsfan4

Maryland

4/5  rDev +2.6%

05-23-2013 02:22:04 | More by marlinsfan4

ADTaber

South Carolina

3.75/5  rDev -3.8%

05-21-2013 00:11:13 | More by ADTaber

Archemedies

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +2.6%

05-19-2013 22:41:04 | More by Archemedies

iHeartMNBeer

Minnesota

4/5  rDev +2.6%

05-16-2013 20:35:41 | More by iHeartMNBeer

mwilbur

Minnesota

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from 16 oz can into pilsner glass.
A: Pours a clear pale yellow with high carbonation producing a 1/2 inch white bubbly head. Good retention.
S: Soft and sweet malt notes, toasted grains and bread, hint of pepper and funk...and something akin to 7UP.
T: Gently sweet malt, toasted grains, and soft citrus hops in the distant background.
M: Light body. Mild effervescence from the carbonation.
D: A solid example of style. A wonderfully sessionable brew.

Serving type: can

05-16-2013 03:28:58 | More by mwilbur

Showboat66

Minnesota

4.25/5  rDev +9%

05-16-2013 02:03:57 | More by Showboat66

Powderhornphil

Minnesota

3.9/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Decided to go with Surly Hell on the first 90 plus degree day in MN of the year.

Not my usual style, but it is tasting pretty good today. Sessionable.

Pours light golden with a slight haze.

Smells crisp, slight breadyness. Some citrus.

Crisp mouthfeel. Quite easy drinking.

Nice change of pace for me and a great example of the style.

Serving type: can

05-15-2013 00:29:57 | More by Powderhornphil

Bonko_the_sane

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +2.6%

05-13-2013 05:31:05 | More by Bonko_the_sane

MooseBoose

Wisconsin

2.25/5  rDev -42.3%

05-13-2013 02:33:35 | More by MooseBoose

joh02034

Minnesota

4/5  rDev +2.6%

05-11-2013 15:28:02 | More by joh02034

sandiego67

California

4/5  rDev +2.6%

05-11-2013 04:15:08 | More by sandiego67

Davihaw

Illinois

3.5/5  rDev -10.3%

05-07-2013 16:17:32 | More by Davihaw

charlesjwinkler

Illinois

4/5  rDev +2.6%

04-28-2013 16:53:42 | More by charlesjwinkler

BigBry

Alberta (Canada)

3.96/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Four pack of tall cans, brought back from my last trip to Minnesota, love the Surly and more cans for the collection.
Pours a straw yellow color, slight bit of unfiltered haze. Golden liquid is topped by half an inch of white head. Smell has a slight, grainy sweetness with just enough hop presence. Grassy and a bit herbal. Taste is very similar to the aroma, no suprises, just a crisp refreshing beer. Mouthfeel is light, crisp, dry-ish finish. Very drinkable, would pair well with most meals, and still great on its own.

Serving type: can

04-12-2013 21:51:40 | More by BigBry

st9647v3

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +2.6%

04-12-2013 00:50:17 | More by st9647v3

Jeffrey2310

Minnesota

4/5  rDev +2.6%

04-09-2013 14:43:55 | More by Jeffrey2310

atomicskier1889

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev -3.8%

04-05-2013 12:50:58 | More by atomicskier1889

iabeerbaron

Iowa

3.33/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

The style of this beer isn’t one that is often talked about currently. IPAs, barrel-aged, sours, are dominating headlines with most craft beer drinkers but if you want to try different styles and try them when they are done right, I think Surly can be proud of this beer. This could also quite possibly be a great transition beer for those looking to get into the craft beer world. Rumblings of Surly wanting to expand a bit continues through the midwest and here’s hoping that they make it south to the lovely state of Iowa.

REVIEW

Style: Hells/Dortmunder

ABV:4.5%

Purchased at: France44.com

Pour: Golden straw color with a thick white head.

Aroma: Bread, yeast, light citrus.

Flavor: Lots of breadiness with lemon and bit of hops.

Ratebeer.com rating: 90/100

Beeradvocate.com rating: 88/100

Overall: B

My recommendation: A great beer for the style, extremely drinkable. Surly continues to do things and if you can get up north to Minnesota to get some, buy a bunch, or order from france44.com.

Serving type: can

04-02-2013 17:03:23 | More by iabeerbaron

Rand_ale_Thor

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev +2.6%

03-31-2013 23:09:49 | More by Rand_ale_Thor

Mervjahn

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev -3.8%

03-27-2013 01:41:11 | More by Mervjahn

MNBeer1017

Minnesota

3.5/5  rDev -10.3%

03-27-2013 01:03:01 | More by MNBeer1017

VDODSON

North Dakota

3.75/5  rDev -3.8%

03-17-2013 23:07:23 | More by VDODSON

gratefulbeerhead

Indiana

4.25/5  rDev +9%

03-17-2013 00:25:41 | More by gratefulbeerhead

warmbier804

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev -3.8%

03-16-2013 21:52:13 | More by warmbier804