Brooklyn Local 2 - Brooklyn Brewery

KTCamm

New Jersey

4.55/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Caged 750 ml bottle into a pint glass. Pours a reddish chocolate brown - a really easy on the eye brown color with reddish hues. Light brown thick creamy foam - and masses of it - cascades during the pour and takes an agonizing long amount of time to clear out.

Powerfully fruity smell. Richly aromatic. The fruit blends with a nutty chocolate.

Smooth start to the taste that builds in spiciness. Honey in there, and cinnamon too. There's an underlying sweetness, maybe chocolate based, hard to say for sure. Very complex and it all builds together very nicely.

Modestly carbonated in the mouth, but mostly smooth.

A really nice tasty beer. 750ml is a lot to handle in one sitting (for me, anyway), but its enjoyable the whole time. Highly recommend.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2009 22:52:56 | More by KTCamm

mntlover

Tennessee

4.55/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a murk dark muddy drown color some amber around edges when held to the light. Head is thumb size tan dense foam that falls to a cap with some lacing.

Aroma is f'n wonderful loads of sweet malts dripping of fresh fruits honey cover figs, dates, fresh squeezed oranges, crisp golden delicious apples. Hints of coffee maybe light chocolate notes also. Man this one smells so nice inviting almost afraid to taste it and ruin the experience.

Taste is hot damn its good too, though not as awe inspired as the aroma. Malts are molasses, mingled with honey hints of liquorish coffee maybe even peat the seems to blend into the earthy Belgian yeast for the finish. Mostly darker fruits in the taste figs, dates dominating some orange trying to peek out from the dark malty fruitiness.

Mouthfeel is big medium the carbonation is peppy without being over lively as in some Belgians. But its enough to make mouthfeel fall short of full.

Drinkability is very good have had this in fridge for quite some time maybe aging makes it great or its great on its own. Who knows but next time i see a bottle i will be picking this one up again.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2010 18:41:53 | More by mntlover

joshbrink

Alabama

4.55/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Dark red in color. Very large head that remained around for quite a while. Left decent lacing.

S: Smell of lemons, very citrus, crisp, smell of honey comes off rather strong.

T: Taste honey, some darker fruits, very citrus in flavor. Bitter too. Tad bit spicy, in a very good way though.

M: Rather dry, almost like a wine. Medium body but with high amounts of carbonation.

O: Somewhat unique, a rather nice beer, definitely will dry again if when i get the opportunity.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2013 18:31:37 | More by joshbrink

51mmz0rz

New Jersey

4.53/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Poured into a Sam Adams pint.

A: Billowy tan head, great retention. Body is cloudy dark brown, heavy carbonation visible even through the dark body.

S: Belgian yeast spice, light fruitiness. Smells like a lighter Belgian style.

T: Just like aroma, it tastes like a lighter than usual strong dark, but with plenty of Belgian character. A wonderful bready aftertaste followed by some yeastiness on the finish.

M: Light, carbonated well. Seems appropriate.

D: This beer is very clean and highly drinkable for the style. Not too much overpowering alcohol or sweetness. They really got it right here in terms of drinkability.

Not as powerful or possibly complex as other versions of the style, but it makes up for this in drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2009 00:52:06 | More by 51mmz0rz

TheSarge

Illinois

4.53/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Produces a great three finger sized crown of light tan cranium that dwindles down and stays about a finger thick through the whole serving in a Chimay chalice. Awesome lacing, and has a dark ruby reddish copper colored body that is pretty hazy.

The aroma is yeasty and grape upfront, then floral, sweet molasses and fig. This does finish up with an herbal/metallic characteristic.

Upfront in the taste are figs and cherry, and the honey is detectable. This beer also reminds me of a German lebkuchen as well.

This has feelings of a chewy/sticky/warming appeal.

Local 2 has all the traits to make it a great beer in its style category.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2009 19:12:42 | More by TheSarge

decasere

Pennsylvania

4.53/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

picked up a bottle at my local whole foods in Plymouth Meeting PA. Being a fan of Brooklyn i knew right away i had to get a bottle of each of these. They come in a 25.4 Oz Cork topped bottle and i shared it with my wife!

Poured into a pint glass (maybe should have used my goblet) it has a huge off white head which dissipates quickly and leaves practically no lacing. The color is a dark brown with a tinge of red.

The aroma is enticing, sweet candy like with a touch of warm spice, perfect for a cold Pennsylvania night.

The flavor is very right on for a Belgian style ale, no real hops flavor but you can taste the sweetness from the candi sugar and the honey, also you can get a warmth from the alcohol since i is 9.0 ABV. IT finishes smooth and sweet on your tongue.

Overall a very enjoyable Belgian style dark ale, highly recommended a must try.

edit: had the rest of the beer in my Chimay Tulip and allowed to warm up to room temperature, the hops asserted themselves a bit more, and gave an overall more rounded flavor with a dry finish, try it in a tulip warmed up a bit it gets even better.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2010 00:16:18 | More by decasere

Teleweizen2

New Jersey

4.53/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From notes.

A - pours a chocolaty brown color. Slight cloudy. Big thick head of foam sits on top and dissipates slowly. Good lacing.

S - a complex but very inticing mix of spicies, toasted malts, and some fruity esters, mostly citrus. Also some faint white wine like aroma.

T - the taste is very similar to the smell. Very complex. Dark fruit and spicy yeast are very predominate. Also some honey and a mild sourness but finishes surprisingly dry.

M - medium bodied. Carbonation is on the higher side.

D - the abv us barely noticable. For a strong sipper it is very easy drinkng.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2010 06:32:57 | More by Teleweizen2

CPeterson

Minnesota

4.53/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A -- A deep garnet / brown brew pours into a thick four finger khaki head which settles slowly into a thick froth, leaving thick, chunky lacing.

S -- Plum, raisin, sweet bready malts, hefty yeast profile.

T -- Candi sugar, honey, dark fruits, subtle floral hops and dry yeasty spice notes. Very well balanced.

M -- Robust but only medium bodied which is somewhat deceptive. The carbonation plays to this by drying and cleansing the palate on the finish.

D -- A must try. Excellent representation of an American created Belgian influenced brew. Well done.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2011 04:09:44 | More by CPeterson

mtbbaboon

Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I had to decide between this and the Delirium Tremens (cash flow issue), but went with this since it's new.

Poured this into my Chimay chalice just below room temp. The cork came out real easy. Pours a creamy dark brown color with big thick head, despite a real gentle pour. I had to let it sit for a few minutes before the head faded, and it left all sorts of sticky lacing. Smells malty sweet and I get a hint of smokiness. There is some spice in the smell as well, with a bit of alcohol mixed in. A balanced aroma...no single scent jumps out. The taste follows the nose. Sweet, malty, spicy. A touch of honey in there as well. A surprisingly dry mouthfeel. Heavy, but dry. Leaves a bit of stick behind. Minimal carbonation. A very nice, drinkable beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2009 00:59:18 | More by mtbbaboon

rajendra82

Georgia

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I had not expected the pour to be this dark, the color of the body was dark brown bordering on black like some fine chocolate, nor had I expected to develop a three finger thick head. The pleasing appearance got me further excited to taste this latest offering from Garrett Oliver. The smell was a mix of floral and orange peel aromas and was wonderful as well. The taste perfectly captured the essence of orange peel and honey used in this construction, and the zesty sweet taste was rapidly followed by a dusty dryness as a result of the judicious use of all consuming Belgian yeast. There was some cherry and apples in the flavor as well, but the taste was fleeting and basically begged to be sipped again. No sign at all of the alcohol. The high carbonation kept the body airy and soft. Just like the darker versions of superheroes, this beer is what Duvel would be in opposite world.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2009 02:10:49 | More by rajendra82

generallee

New York

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Presentation: It was poured from a 1 pint, 9.4oc brown corked and caged bottle into a tulip glass. The number 1069 is printed on the back label. I am not sure if that is a bottle number, batch number or a date.

Appearance: The body is almost opaque and has a dark murky brown color with deep crimson highlights. Near the edges of the glass there are some streams of fine carbonation rushing to the surface. The pour produced a nice tall, thick and foamy head. It slowly fades down to a thin cap that hangs on till the last sip.

Smell: Its aroma has full nose of dark sweet malt, funky yeast, spice and a hint of honey and hops.

Taste/Mouth: The flavor has a sweet dark malty base with some pleasant sweet honey, tart cherry and other dark estery fruit notes. Funky yeast, mild alcohol and some light spicy notes and add even more complexity. In the finish the hops pop out and add some mild bitterness. The texture is smooth and mellow with soft yet active carbonation.

Notes: Another great Belgian ale from the Brooklyn Brewery.

Serving type: bottle

08-08-2009 01:40:15 | More by generallee

merlin48

Kentucky

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle pours a dark brown body with a tall and creamy tan head. Exquisite sheet lacing adorns the goblet.

Aroma has figs, dates, milk chocolate, roasted almonds, and a hint of orange peel.

Creamy carbonation hosts a solid medium body.

Taste is awash in dark fruits, with figs and dates imparting a creamy sweetness. Milk chocolate, marshmallows, floral hops, and ripe red plums add to the decadence.

One of the better American exceutions of a Belgian style. This one is fantastic.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2010 17:48:36 | More by merlin48

TheDeuce

New York

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Brooklyn Local 2...750 ml bottle...at home....poured into a Chalice

Appearance dark maroon, almost port like, huge black and red hinted white lace, bubbles up almost too much, then settles nicely.

Smell-candy coated sugar, heavy alcohol, dried fruit, syrupy malt, a hint of rosemary spice.

Taste/Mouthfeel -rush of alcohol, fruitiness continues, multilayered sweetness, candy, hops make an appearance here burn with the alcohol to contrast. Very smooth, surprisingly light consistency.

Drinkability-slow sipping, complex.

Overall-wow, I did not think all the flavors I mentioned would mix this well, a complex, daring, and successful triumph. Worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2010 00:02:23 | More by TheDeuce

Agent1

Alberta (Canada)

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

First off, it's important to clarify that this is an ale that needs to be served at a relatively warm temperature -- versus straight out of the fridge. Much like the Apt 12, it is important to really let this beer warm in order to experience its breadth. I'd recommend enjoying this beer close to room temperature or more specifically, anywhere between 8-14°C. Try it out and let me know what you think! On to the review...

Appearance - A dark, deep brown. Hardly any light is able to penetrate this beer. Amazing head on this. Astonishingly creamy, almost like whipped meringue in texture.

Smell - Rather sour to the nose. Mostly yeast coming through with little sweetness. Bread-like. This beer *really* retains its head so perhaps it is not letting much of the aroma through.

Taste - Wow. VERY COMPLEX. There are so many flavors to pinpoint here. Ripen fig, raisin, even liquorice come to mind immediately. The sugars seem much more naturally sweet due to the wildflower honey. This beer is rich with many ingredients. Toffee, bread, caramel, cherries, too. A mild dash of chocolate is noticeable, but subtle. Delicious. The more I drink this, the more obvious the alcohol becomes. Definitely not hidden quite as much as I would like, to be honest. For only 9% abv, I would expect a little less to show through.

Mouthfeel - Great overall feel on the palate. Perhaps too much alcohol again, but it still invokes a great feel. Very thick and creamy/chewy. Quite impressive.

Overall - The wildflower honey and subtle light fruits such as honey dew, lemon, orange peel and cherry really make this beer unique. Based off of Belgian classics, it manages to borrow from Trappist recipes, yet somehow induces its own beast. By taking said innovative ingredients and adding subtle elements, Brooklyn Brewing may have even accidentally created a monumental Belgian quad. Even though it is NOT a quad, again, it really shares many similarities to one. One of my new faves!

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2011 05:47:53 | More by Agent1

damienblack

Massachusetts

4.47/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a medium-dark brown, absolutely huge tan head shoots up the Duvel tulip. Head stays for a long time, even when the glass is almost empty, there is still a thin layer there. Even on a slow repour, the head just envelopes the glass. The first clue was the huge pop the cork made upon exit. A very visual beer. Nice carbonation helps lead to some sweet lacing. The smell is pleasant but nothing extraordinary, heavy on malt, some belgian yeast, and a hint of dark fruit.

The first thing that stands out in my mind is how smooth the honey added to the beer makes it. Upon first taste, it is like a standard belgian dark. Little bit of yeasty pop, belgian sugars balanced out by an off-dry earthiness, and an undercurrent of dark fruits with a splash of brown sugar. But at the phase where you might normally expect hop balance, you get a blast of cool, smooth honey, belgian sweetness and a little kick that sends your tongue for a loop. It's this honey-smooth yet slightly sweet and earthy flavor that lingers, that makes this beer so gorram addictive. Mouthfeel is nice if not amazing, the honey is a little medicinally cloying, but thanks to the nice carbonation it is helped along. Very creamy, though, almost silky in complexion. This beer has amazing drinkability. Not just a sipper, I can't put it down. So smooth, no alcoholic presence, kick, bite, aftertaste, none of it. Simply sublime. I'm enjoying this far more than Local 1, and it is giving BBCS a run for my favorite Brooklyn beer. Well done!

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2009 06:51:17 | More by damienblack

benmiliron

Ohio

4.47/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Having this the day after I drank Local 1. Currently brewing a Dunkelweizen and drinking this at 10:00 in the morning. Pours a murky brown with a slight touch of red. Foamy tan head dissipates. Smell is classic belgian. Taste is impressive - deep crystal malts, light orange peel and flowers, just a touch of bitterness. Very well done.

Mouthfeel is nice - fine bubble, gravity is right on.

Lovely brew. My fav is still Local 1, but this is right up there. Very very nice.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2009 15:54:19 | More by benmiliron

TLove

District of Columbia

4.47/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

750 ml bottle into a Chimay glass. Great example of an American interpretation of a Belgian dark ale.

Appearance is a murky brown, watered espresso-like appearance with a full head and a bubbly lacing.

Esoteric smell with strong spice and dark fruit elements with a touch of earthy mushroom/cherry wood flavors.

Taste is very sweet and wet with alcohol prevalent throughout. Malty flavors with earthiness reminiscent of an American stout.

Finish is exceptional and savorable in its drinkability. Full-bodied on the back end, with a sweet smoothness and maltiness that is well worth the price.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2009 15:22:28 | More by TLove

waltonc

Colorado

4.47/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Picked this up at Kroger while visiting my parents in Michigan last week and flew it back to Colorado in my luggage. (well, actually my wife's luggage, since I hauled a mini-keg of Oberon back in my suitcase)

A: Beautiful dark brown/garnet/ruby color with nearly an inch of tan head that fades down to small patches of bubbles.
S: sweet dark fruit, candi sugar, yeast.
T: Absolutely delicious - again, sweet dark fruits, candi sugar, maybe brown sugar, bread quality, a little orange peel bitterness.
M: Perfect. Medium bodied with very crisp carbonation that makes this quite refreshing in spite o the high ABV and sugar. Like a nice febreze mist.
D: I'm guzzling this right now. Too bad I have to share with my Brooklyn beer-loving wife.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2009 01:13:18 | More by waltonc

Minotaur

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A deep brown with dark tan hilights. Pours from the bottle into the goblet with an effervescent head and bubble stream. The head is two fingers and shrinks down to about 3/4 of that with a nice lacing.

The aroma is wine, pears, green grapes, and a little bit of sour funkiness. The malts have a chocolate aroma to them but remain very light.

The taste is full and round: with the malt and candi sugar providing a base thickness and slight smokey sweetness. There is the sour apple/pear flavor of the yeast and a very light bitterness on the back of the tongue from the hops. It is very well balanced with a fizzy, full funk providing a brightness - where many strong ales lean entirely towards a one dimensional darkness. There is a distinct brandy like taste.

A good mouthfeel - creamy and fizzy. It is highly alcoholic but incredibly smooth and satisfying.

For a local NY brewery, this is an elegant and complete example of a Belgian inspired beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2010 01:37:47 | More by Minotaur

AChamberlain

Texas

4.45/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A: Dark, opaque brown, lighter at the edges. Soft tan head. Lacing throughout. Lays near the top of the glass the entire time.

S: Belgian yeast aroma. Dark fruits, raisins.

F: Dark fruits. Lovely. Spiced apple. Oh, I am getting some bubble gum as it warms, mmmm.

MF: Perfect mouthfeel. Zesty and full. Lots of tight bubbles.

D: Very good. I think I may like this one more than the Local 1. Well done for sure.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2009 01:49:28 | More by AChamberlain

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a clouded brown with frothy crème head. Nose is spices, sweet tones, and a bit of a toasted dough thing. Flavor is nice. Nice earthy robust levels. Dark sugar sweetness. Honey is in there? Yeah I'll buy that. Spices mix in pretty well also. Feel is smooth on liquid. Carbonation is decently full. Another home run by Brooklyn. When do we get Local 3, 4, and 5?

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2009 18:13:41 | More by RblWthACoz

aerozeppl

New York

4.45/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Mostly black with some brown around the edges. One and a half fingers of white head with spotty lacing.

S: Nice big dark fruit smell right up front. Some candi sugar in there as well. This probably has the best smelling yeast out of all the brooklyn beers.

T: NIce big roast up front. Some chocolate. Nice amount of dark fruit with some sweetness to balance it out. Nice and complex.

M: Nice medium body that was not heavy on the tongue. Well carbonated.

D: Insanely drinkable. For the ABV this beer packed a nice taste that you normally associate with a beer of at least 10%. I did enjoy the one but I think I have to give the edge to two.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2009 16:47:52 | More by aerozeppl

beerthulhu

New Jersey

4.45/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Poured a beautiful,slightly murky cayenne-amber with a huge rolling 4 finger plus head that was towering to say the least and rapidly rose, only to very slowy receed leaving a splotchy and foamy lacing. Visible carbonation was strong and feverish at first, but soon settled to a less then medium showing. Overall a really nice presention of color and head retention starts this out strong.

S: The special Belgian yeast makes its presence known immediately with an equally impressive aroma of fresh wildflowers, tart tangerine peels with a light funky sourness from the wild yeast bearing dark fruit and pear juice. An underlying touch of Belgian candie sugar sweetness adds just enough accent to balance out the citrusy lemon peels. Well balanced with an incredible smoothness.

T: The flavor starts out with a light tartness of sour tangerines and fruit (melons, pears) contributed by the special Belgian yeast. A fresh burst of wildflowers along with dark warm plums and malting add depth and complexity. Hints of vanilla bean as well some spicy alcohol notes and dried fruit (pineapple) also contribute to this spritzy, spicy, tart and intriquing flavor. Dried caramel with notes of dried chocolate blends well to balance out the spicy and spritzy nature of the beer giving it warmth and a nice maltiness.

M: a medium viscosity with a light hint of effervesce tingling the tongue. The finish is warm with dark fruit and warm dried honey and alcohol adding a nice closing sweetenss.

D: Very good drinkability may be an understatement Complex, tart, fruity with a nice dark malting makes this a very smooth and well appreciable drink per style. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2009 01:14:01 | More by beerthulhu

ericj551

British Columbia (Canada)

4.45/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Brooklyn Local 2 pours a cloudy black/brown with a fluffy, foamy head that lingers for the entire beer. The aroma is sharp and estery with plenty of dark fruit and malt with a hint of spicy hops. The flavor start out with a hint of sweetness followed by dark caramel and dry dark fruits. There is a bit of nice bourbon like wood flavor, with plenty of fruitiness that makes the beer seem sweet despite its dry finish. The alcohol is hidden, and the beer is incredibly smooth and dry for its strength. Another great one from Brooklyn, and a steal at $7.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2009 00:01:10 | More by ericj551

ArrogantDeadGuy

Virginia

4.45/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Poured from bottle into snifter a hearty
malt amber to brown with a slight head and
weak lace.

S: Malty fruits and candy sugar come off of this
brew immediately. It smells a little of
dessert.

T: malty sweet well rounded not harping on
either malt or sugar too hard.The earthiness
cuts the sugar sweetness in a way that I
have yet to experience previously in
sampling this style.

M: The heartiness of this brew stands out, thick
and heavy aren't the words...maybe just
substantial.

D: This is a very drinkable example of a BSDA
Not too overpowering with the sugar and
enough character and ecclecticness to be
well above average for the style.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2009 03:00:36 | More by ArrogantDeadGuy