Fool's Gold Alt - Relic Brewing Co

Gambrinus1184

Connecticut

3.9/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on-tap in a nonic pint glass at Max Burger's CT Tap Takeover in West Hartford, Conn.

A: Poured a dark, rich amber color beneath a one-finger head of beige foam that settles into a creamy cap of carbonation that left a bit of soapy lacing on the glass. Carbonation seems ample through the slight chilled haze.

S: A fine, herbal and earthy aroma rises from the brew along with mild, fruity esters and some slightly nutty aromas as well. Bitter, herbal hops peak through the slight whiff of alcohol.

T: Bold, fruity and complex with inherent, earthy and dry bitterness from the get-go. Fruitier notes blend with nutty malts and sweet, caramel flavors before washing back a tad boozy with a chewy yeast flavor in the mix. The finish is spicy and bittersweet with a dry, balanced flavor.

M: Full-bodied double altbier with a smooth, spicy and fruity palate that cloys a bit on the tongue but a generous amount of hops take the feel far away from syrupy and restore balance to the palate.

O: At 7% ABV, Fools Gold is certainly a unique take on the classic altbiers of Germany. The generous hop additions serve the brew well, however, by balancing the large quantities of malt used and avoiding a syrupy, slick feel. Complex and full-bodied with an easy-drinking balance of hops and malts in spite of its higher ABV.

Serving type: on-tap

09-26-2012 01:02:46 | More by Gambrinus1184

nebula1999

Connecticut

3/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Brewer also calls this a "German Double Alt". Possibly a Sticke Bier?

Pours dark copper reddish brown from the growler. Thin, fleeting head.

Aroma is very mild. Struggling to pull notes from this one. But I do pick up some nice soft hops and some distant malt aromas.

Taste is also subdued for me. Bittersweet--and a mild sweetness at that. However, the biggest thing I pick up on is a sharp bitterness, but unlike a pleasant IPA hop bitterness. It is almost abrasive in a way that detracts from the overall experience. Top and sides of the mouth are prickly after about a minute. Some may like this. But I prefer a smoother dryness in the mouthfeel. I'd hate to think this fresh beer is oxidized.

I like this beer. Just seems to have some flaws. Very much looking forward to further incarnations on this particular brew from this fantastic brewery.

Serving type: growler

09-13-2012 00:30:20 | More by nebula1999