Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale - Yards Brewing Co.

mactrail

California

4.05/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

The brewery says this has some rye and honey, which would explain the the more rustic flavor. It's plenty strong and nothing elegant about it. The aroma is beery and biscuity with some herbal hoppiness.

Amber in the glass with some copper and golden, very attractive, but not too much head. Fairly well carbonated on the tongue. A bready yet bitter taste dominates. This whole series is quite interesting for the big flavors that are definitely not in the APA-IPA-Belgian groove. I like the scratchy and grainy flavor, with an underlying touch of sweetness. Bitter enough to give it an edge but the hops are neither the earthy nor piney brand that blot out the malt.

Bought at Food and Friends in Philadelphia, appropriately enough, in the 12 oz bottle. I still like the Spruce best but this is very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2012 02:47:57 | More by mactrail

Pencible

Virginia

4/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: This poured a clear copper with some light tan head.
S: It smelled like fresh barley and copper hops, with lots of herbs and spices.
T: It tasted like lots of herbs and spices (oregano, thyme, sage, coriander, etc.) with some fresh barley and copper hops. It had a clean and mildly bitter aftertaste.
M: It was fairly thick with moderate carbonation. Nice full body.
D: This was a great historic ale, with a strong herbal blend that worked well in the scent and taste. The body was great and the alcohol was well hidden, so it was very easy to drink. Not my favorite type of beer, but it was a nice change of pace and very well crafted. Definitely worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2012 19:24:04 | More by Pencible

ianjsullivan

Maryland

3.85/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

St: 12oz poured into a pint glass. Bottle lists ABV but does not list DBD.

A: Clear amber brown with a half-a-finger rocky white head. After a minute the head has decreased by half, but is still thick; it leaves behind thick lacing. There is a stream of ample carbonation in the middle which reminds one of champagne.

S: Rich, sweet malt, bread, slight citrus hop.

T: Starts very mellow with slightly smokey malt. There are traces of burnt bread and syrup. The finish is a bit bitter from hops, and the finish has a slight burnt flavor to match the alcohol in the throat.

M: Medium and close to heavy with a touch of creaminess.

O: If Jefferson named this a Tavern Ale, I would say he had good beer sense in addition to other faculties. This is a mellow drinking ale with a high ABV. It is pretty smooth, offering malt, some hops, and a rich burnt flavor. One can feel a bit of alcohol in the throat (and in the belly), but it is not blended poorly. This is a great looking beer, and though it does not overpower with flavor, it has enough to allow the beer to be a sipper.It fits Tavern Ale well: a beer one can sit back and enjoy with some food.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2012 21:11:20 | More by ianjsullivan

RonfromJersey

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bright amber body, topped by four fingers of big bubbly just-off-white froth.

Big hay/grass aroma makes an mpression at arm's length.

Deep caramel sweetness coats the tongue. Crisp earthy noble hop bite at the swallow. Good balance as the afterglow settles in.

Sturdy mouthfeel, borders on chewy.

Jefferson knew how to make a good beer, as well as a good country.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2012 04:08:17 | More by RonfromJersey

jwhancher

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Bought a case of Yards' Ales of the Revolution a month or two back. Poured this one into a snifter for review.

A: Pours a cloudy light amber with noticeable suspended particles throughout.

S: Smells mostly of honey with some peppery notes and a tad bit of spiciness.

T: Honey again is evident here with perceived molasses notes. It's a sugary, spicy quality that almost seems maple syrup like. No real hop character, although I'm assuming some noble hops were used.

M: Tastes medium full with a sweetness throughout that comes out best in the end. The residual sweetness seems to weigh it down a good bit. Good carbonation.

O: Of the 3 beers in the variety pack, this is likely my #2 choice behind Washington's porter. This is a well brewed beer. I just don't think I could drink it everyday as it has a little too much sweetness weighing it down. It's great trying to taste what the founding fathers drank at some point, but I'm glad that I can live and drink in the present time.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2012 02:52:36 | More by jwhancher

tobelerone

New Jersey

3.5/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at the brewery.

Poured a hazy amber with a very small white head that settled quickly. Patchy lace.

Aroma has some noticeable booze up front, a fair amount of sweetness, bready, caramel malt, and a touch of mostly floral hops.

Flavor is decent enough, booze feels a little too prominent, pretty sweet overall, again, with a caramel maltiness, some toffee and brown sugar, raisins, and a bit of floral and citrus hops in the finish.

Body is medium, carbonation is moderate, fairly smooth, syrupy and a little creamy. Not bad.

Overall I thought this one was only average, the booze was a little too assertive, even for the style, and drinkability was only fair. Definitely warming. Flavors also seemed a little muddled to me. Sweet but dry in the finish.

Serving type: on-tap

04-03-2012 16:10:55 | More by tobelerone

Neorebel

New Jersey

3.73/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

It's a beautiful golden brown, with tiny specs of sediment within. Unfiltered is good in my book. Carbonated, with only a thin ring of a head, though. Aroma - fresh, soap and linen somehow, toasted malt; grainy/bready. Interesting dichotomy. Flavor is sharp on the tongue and somewhat heavy. Definitely very tangy/sour - although there is surely some hops in the finish, I'm not sure where that bite comes from exactly... the alcohol? Not a bad thing, but not a beer you can drink all night.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2012 03:16:06 | More by Neorebel

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.1/5  rDev -17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. has a copper color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is mild, slightly sweet. Taste is a bit unusual, bready, hops, sour, some alcohol, seems like lots of flavors pulling in different directions. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a mediocre beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-29-2012 16:43:57 | More by tone77

DefenCorps

Oregon

3.65/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Bottle, $1.49. Yards was one of the first breweries I got to try thanks to an uncle, probably in 2007? Not this one, though.

A clear copper with a dense, off-white head with good retention and a little lacing, this beer looks good. The nose is surprisingly fruity, with poached pears, caramel apples, quite a bit of butterscotch and some hops. Leafy, mildly earthy English hops along with a slight citrus honey aroma are present. As it warms up, I get more toffee and caramel. Solid.

This obviously quite young, because it does taste a little brash. Opening up with candied fruits , a little caramel and toffee, this is quite nice. Burnt sugar does lend a little bitterness, but I do detect some hoppy bitterness as well. Bready, this is mildly alcoholic on the back-end. Medium full in body with soft carbonation, this beer feels quite nice on the palate. The finish is especially nice, with a lingering toffee sweetness and burnt sugar bitterness. There's aspects to it that make me think whiskey. The flavor notes are well-integrated for the most part, and this beer is quite nicely done. Solid stuff, I'd drink it again.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2012 01:33:41 | More by DefenCorps

SpdKilz

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A big thanks to leftmindedrighty for this extra. Cheers!

Appearance – Pours a golden color into a tulip. About a half finger of off white head is achieved with a moderate pour that dissipates quickly leaving slight lacing.

Smell – Lots of caramel and toffee, slight chocolate, hints of hops and citrus.

Taste – More citrus up front than sweetness. Though there is a heavy caramel bready maltiness to it. Earthy notes, some odd metallic taste.

Mouthfeel – Medium bodied, moderate carbonation.

Overall – Interesting beer, worth trying, not one I’d seek out.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 02:15:58 | More by SpdKilz

jtierney89

New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours a brilliantly clear deep gold/light amber hue with a big sticky off white head. Nose is extremely subtle a first. Lacing is extremely stellar. Subdued earthy and herbal nose. A touch of dry coriander as the beer airs out.

Taste has an overall buttered toast like quality to it. The flavors in general are modest as well. Starts with a biscuit like graininess followed by caramel, oak, and a touch of butter and finishes clean and crisp. Alcohol warms very slightly on the swallow. Balance is pretty superb.

For a subtle beer I happen to enjoy this one a lot. A touch of bright fruit balances the richness of the beer on the finish making the large body more approachable. Pretty damn good.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2012 04:09:57 | More by jtierney89

merc7186

New York

3.9/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this beer poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass.

A: Hazy Orange Hue, Passes Some Light, White Head, Decent Lacing

S: Raisins, Bread, Earthy

T: Raisins, Plums, Nectarines

M: Decent Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Sticky, Sweet

Overall, a decent beer that seems very thick but isnt, somewhat fruity and mildly cloying.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2012 01:22:06 | More by merc7186

Guden

Maryland

3.75/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A- a hazy gold with a nice two finger head of white foam that leaves pretty lacing.

S- a touch of grass and pine with brown sugar and spice underneath. Also some skunk.

T- pretty different from the smell with no skunk and just a nice blend of subtle piney and grassy hops, biscuity malts and a touch of sweet brown sugar. There's also a refreshing balancing bitterness throughout that lingers on the tail end.

M- low in body and medium high in carbonation this one goes down easy.

D- this one is amazingly drinkable. I never would've guessed the alcohol was so high. It drinks somewhere between a refreshing European pils and a biscuity pale ale and is quite good.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2012 15:58:05 | More by Guden

keanex

New Jersey

3.53/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a Duvel tulip from a 12 ounce bottle with no freshness date.

A: Clear dark amber, almost copper body with a small light tan head that doesn't stick around long.

S: Very sweet and malty with brown sugar and nuts, very warm and inviting.

T: Very sweet from the malts with a brown sugar and nuts flavor coming in through the middle and lasting to the finish. I'm not getting any of the bright flavors other users are experiencing, this is very sweet and malty to me. Very warming as well.

M: Sharp carbonation meet a medium bodied beer.

O: I like this more than the rating indicates, but it just doesn't stand out very much. This is definitely a nice winter beer though, it's warm and inviting.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2012 05:20:28 | More by keanex

kennylopez

New Jersey

3.7/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint.

Appearance: a hazy golden yellow with a thick white head that lasts and leaves traces of lacing.

Smells: a earthy pine hop note and a some sort of herb I can really point out.

Tastes: there is a grassy hop character that has a well grainy malt that enjoyable.

Mouthfeel: this is a brew that has a lingering hop and is well carbonated. I liked this ale, but its not my favorite English style Strong Ale.

Overall: For 8% this is a super easy drinker and few can go down fast and smooth. I also enjoyed the $8 six pack.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2012 20:41:47 | More by kennylopez

microbrewlover

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This brew pours a golden color with a thick head and lacing that remains in the glass after the beer is gone.

The smell is hoppy, there are also spices in there, maybe honey there is also a lemon grass smell.

The taste is hop forward there is also a strong lemon grass taste as well as some spices that I can not identify.

The mouthfeel is grassy, hoppy and thick. The bitterness lingers after swallowing but the bitterness is not too strong. It is really just right. I normally prefer 'malt forward' brews but Yards got the hop level in this one just right. This is great for any time of the year but I believe this brew would be best in summer and served at a barbecue or other outdoor party.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2012 01:12:04 | More by microbrewlover

thain709

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Poured a cloudy, golden-orange body with some sediment suspended throughout...one finger of creamy, white head appeared...it retained to a full cap and left some lacing behind

S - The nose was interesting...there was a touch of spice, some sweet honey, mild grains, and herbal hops

T - Flavors followed through with what the nose provided...starts off with a lot of spice...I actually wasn't expecting it in this beer...I say it follows suit with some cinnamon and coriander...the sweet honey rushes in to balance things out...the honey maybe be a little astringent here...the finish provides a tingly feeling with light carbonation and bitter hops...not grapefruit or pine bitter, just hoppy bitter

M - Medium bodied...spicy and sweet with a metallic twang lingering

O - You could probably warm this up and serve it like tea...it has herbal, spice, and sweet characteristics all throughout...I'd say it's a good representation of what they were drinking back then

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2012 20:36:33 | More by thain709

inlimbo77

Delaware

3.73/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

4oz pour from a 12oz bottle into a blank snifter glass. Enjoyed this one at the World Cafe Live Beer & Grilled Cheese dinner, as a pre-dinner beer.

A: Pours really clear deep orange yellow color. Thin layer of white head. It's probably dissipated from the initial pouring. Some lacing trails are left on the glass after the swirl.

S: Lots of sweet breadiness. Not very hop forward. Light and airy. There is a little fresh citrus hop aroma, but really subdued.

T: Breadiness and biscuit malts. Almost flat. Carbonation would really help this one. You do get some of those mild hop notes on the tongue. The close is nice. I was surprised this was a Strong Ale as the ABV was nicely hidden.

M: Medium bodied.

O: Love the idea, and the beer is OK. I'd go B on this one. I think that some carbonation would help this out a bit.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2012 14:39:05 | More by inlimbo77

chefhatt

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer when poured into a pint glass, has a golden color body with a thin but thick head that hangs around for a while. The smell has a slight hop smell to it with some malt coming through. The taste is fruity with some bitterness of the hops coming in right after wards. This beer has a nice mouth feel and over all is a good strong ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2012 04:14:34 | More by chefhatt

gueuzeonhigh

Maine

3.88/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a red-amber color with effervescence rising from the heart of the glass.

A short lived small light head appeared but laced the glass as if chronicling its descent back into its origin.

The nose was fruity with hints of hops and malt but like the head - small.

I think that if I were blind-folded and tasted this beer-- by way of its flavor I would have declared it that of an English strong ale. It also produced a nice bouquet of hops with a mild bitterness and a malt undertone.

Mouthfeel was cordial and although not particularly tantalizing, it nevertheless kept my interest alive. The bottom of my glass appeared rather quickly.

Overtall this beer is enjoyable. There are many fine ales out there-- whether I'd choose Yards Tavern Ale over others is debatable. Maybe it's Thomas Jefferson's portrait that will jog my memory.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2012 06:15:06 | More by gueuzeonhigh

devinoconnor

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had to add another review of this brew after having it in a cask. Totally different, and MUCH better than the bottle. Wouldn't drink again out of a bottle, but will search out for another cask.

Strong golden ale pours a nice brownish color with frothy foam.

Taste is dark chocolate, smooth and creamy. Caramel tones mixed very well and strangely balanced with a hint of citrus.

Mouthfeel is very well-balanced for a beer with 8% ABV. Nice change from the bottle.

Serving type: cask

01-03-2012 23:47:48 | More by devinoconnor

CowsCanBark

Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -13%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from 12 oz. bottle into standard pint glass.

Appearance: Pours a cloudy caramel brown hue with a two finger off-white head, leaving decent lacing.

Smell: Smells of sweet malts, citrusy hops, and dark fruits.

Taste: Starts off tasting nice, with a sweet malty taste, followed by mild hops, but then there is an overwhelming metallic taste, almost like blood. Not so good. Maybe my bottle is past experiation date? Alcohol is hidden nicely, though.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied and high carbonation, slight dry finish.

Overall: Would have been so much better if it weren't for the irony taste at the end.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2011 06:13:39 | More by CowsCanBark

mdaschaf

Washington

3.53/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a hazy deep orange/amber color with a 1/2 finger white head on top. Decent retention, with a short foamy head lasting for a while. Nice, thick sticky lacing all around the glass.

S: Lots of bready malt up front, some brown sugar, a little bit of an herbal aroma, and some spice. Hints of fruit on the finish.

T: Grainy malt, a little bit of honey, with some herbal/grassy hops. Some caramel and a green grapes come out as well.

M: Medium to full bodied with active carbonation. Not the smoothest.

O: Its an ok strong ale. Nothing really stood out for me, but I didn't have a problem with it. Probably would not pick it up again though. Still like the Ales of Revolution Series though, cool idea.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2011 03:06:34 | More by mdaschaf

BeerLover99

New Jersey

3.65/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: shiny copper, trace/light head, rare lacing

S: mild apple, grain, malt

T: sweet grain, malt, hint of lemon grass,
light bitter crisp finish

M: med body, smooth, crisp mouth

O: Another enjoyable Yards offering,
but wish it was a little heavier
body and stronger flavors. 8% is
very well hidden.

NICE, WORTH TRYING!

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2011 20:45:49 | More by BeerLover99

Hophead717

Pennsylvania

3.4/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A 12 ounce bottle, poured into a small pint glass.

A: A nice, light amber color with a foamy two finger head that sticks around for a while. Nice lacing.

S: Mostly sweet malt, with some earthy straw notes too...mostly just malt. Nothing exciting here at all.

T: Like the nose, totally dominated by malt. It's sort of like drinking a loaf of high quality (flavorful) bread. Hops don't seem to be anywhere to be found. Slight molasses tastes as well, but not very exciting. The taste is good (not great) and fairly one dimensional.

M: Nicely carbonated and not too heavy at all.

O: An interesting beer. Good to have tried, but not one I'll return to unless the pickings are slim.

Serving type: bottle

11-23-2011 05:40:47 | More by Hophead717