Brawler Pugilist Style Ale - Yards Brewing Co.

woosterbill

Connecticut

2.28/5  rDev -37.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 2

On-tap at a bar in the Philadelphia airport. Served, despite my protests, in a frosted pint glass.

A: Clear chestnut body with a finger of creamy off-white head. Ok retention, light lace. Not bad.

S: Muted nutty and chocolatey malt. Slightly earthy. Weak, even for the style.

T: Bland, bland, bland. Faint husky malt and fainter earthy hops. Slightly bittersweet finish. So weak.

M: Slick light body with moderate, fine carbonation. Good.

O: This was my first beer in the states after a week in England, and what a poor choice it was. I enjoyed some truly stunning Milds on cask, and there really couldn't be better proof of that serving method's superiority for this style. Served close to freezing into a frosted glass, this beer had less flavor than some glasses of water I've had. If I get a chance to revisit this beer from a bottle, I will.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

03-22-2013 01:54:55 | More by woosterbill

justintcoons

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

On tap poured into a tulip pint.

Appearance
Brownish red with a short, fluffy head. Excellent clarity and moderate-heavy carbonation.

Nose
Bready and nutty. Touches of cocoa with fruity, melon-like esters.

Taste
Bready and nutty with drizzles of caramel. Brown sugar and powdered cocoa. A touch of honeydew and perhaps the slightest inkling of grapefruit.

Mouthfeel
Medium bodied, smooth and refreshing.

Overall
Easy drinking and flavorful. It's been a long time since I've had this and it's a lot better than I remember. It's nice to see an American brewery tackle an English Mild and do a nice job of it.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2013 14:49:10 | More by justintcoons

ranger60

New Jersey

3.29/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

Had it on tap at Southside Grille in South Bound Brook, NJ.

Appearance - nice red ale color, clear, not much of a head.

Smell - picking up the malt, and some fruity notes.

Taste - very pleasant, but kind of nondescript and too mild for my taste.

Mouthfeel - good

Overall - nothing wrong with this beer, and I expect great things from Yards. But for my preferences, this beer is a bit too mild in flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

01-25-2013 18:10:33 | More by ranger60

Jacobob10

New Jersey

3.94/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap @ Zack's Oak Bar & Restaurant in Hoboken, NJ.

Brown colored with ruby along the edges. One-finger off white head that dissipates fairly quickly but leaves a small amount of head on top of the beer. Bready malts in the aroma with a bit of roasted malt and a touch of sweetness. Very smooth tasting, just the right amount of carbonation, and light-to-medium bodied. An enjoyable ale that is easily quaffable. I'd have no problem drinking several of these.

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2013 21:28:40 | More by Jacobob10

merc7186

New York

3.16/5  rDev -13.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

On tap at Luckys Sportshouse in Wilkes Barre PA, poured into a pint glass.

A: Amber/Brownish Hue, Passes Some Light, White Head, Decent Lacing

S: Black Bread, Mild Caramel, Mildly Earthy

T: Caramel, Mild Grainy Malts

M: Decent Carbonation, Light to Medium Bodied, Mildly Grainy

Overall, the bark is way better than the bite, not much nose or flavor after a nice appearance.

Serving type: on-tap

01-08-2013 22:40:13 | More by merc7186

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A-dark chestnut with a nice tan head

S-Carmel malts and sweet grains. Really just smells like a mild run of the mill amber ale.

T-comes in with caramel malts and sweet grains with just a slight roasted toastyness. Tastes pretty much like an amber ale with some roasted grains flavor to it. It's a very crisp flavor. No off flavors. Creamy matching after-taste.

M-medium creamy carbonation with a crisp finish. Semi-dry. Pretty nice.

O-nice crisp beer. I'd put it in the Yuengling/Flat Tire category. It's an easy drinking beer. Unfortunately, this is usually found near other craft beer which puts it at a disadvantage.

Serving type: on-tap

12-13-2012 22:29:58 | More by AdamBear

TheAmericanBeerProject

3.93/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

There is not a session beer as diverse as this. The connoisseur will be happy with the color and drinkability for sure. The is a great gateway beer if you want to transition your friends over to ales from lagers, or from macros in to micros. Clearly not the best beer ever, but a reliable pour no doubt.

Serving type: on-tap

10-28-2012 01:06:21 | More by TheAmericanBeerProject

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.3/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Honeyed brown/caramel color. Overpour caused a fizzy head to dwindle. Translucent. 2.5

Lightly roasted grains, walnut, earthy hops. 3.0

Tangy as hell. Citrus hops peel back layers of orange rind and lime. Kilned grain offers some crisp toffee and crabapple esters around nutty and earthy flavors. A tad too rigid and sweet. Finishes tart and bitter. 3.5

Burpy and brushing. Medium body is cruising. A little mouth-drying. Acidic feel. 3.0

Overall, it's not too bad. Malt flavors are almost there, but the hops are a little confusing. Still a recognizable dark mild. 3.5

Serving type: on-tap

07-09-2012 00:52:13 | More by thecheapies

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.28/5  rDev -10.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served in a 10 oz chalice glass

Appearance – Served a deep red-brownish color with a lighter just off white head. The head faded rather fast leaving only a very light amount of lacing.

Smell – Roasted and more nutty aromas are heaviest. The darker/nutty smells are accompanied by some sweeter aromas of molasses and brown sugar.

Taste – The taste follows the nose quite well. It starts out quite roasty with some good sweetness. A brown bread flavor with hints of nuts mixed within. The sweetness in the flavor at the start is largely of brown sugar. As the taste advances however the brown sugar transitions to a more bitter chocolate flavor. This overall bitters the flavor a bit, and at the end leaves a more dry/bitter roasted flavor on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – While at only 4.8 % abv it has a rather creamy body, which complements the roasty flavors well. The carbonation of the brew is on the normal side.

Overall – A light abv beer with a roasty flavor. Not the greatest darker brew, but lighter and good for a session beer. One to try.

Serving type: on-tap

05-10-2012 23:50:29 | More by Darkmagus82

jtierney89

New Jersey

3.65/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a brilliantly clear bright tawny brown color with a 1 finger bright white head. Big malty nose of caramel and toffee with touches of chocolate. On the heavier side of a light body with incredible briskness. Body holds together all the way through with good carbonation a punch of caramel malt character. Some toffee on the sides of the mouth, generally sweet but a bit of charcoal on the back along with the right amount of hop character gives this beer impeccable balance. This beer holds true to its name, definitely one you can go a few rounds with and one I wouldn't mind doing it with either. The perfect balance of flavor and drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

03-28-2012 02:05:24 | More by jtierney89

4/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Great beer all around. Had it on tap at Stanley's Tavern in Delaware and then grabbed some bottles to take home. Can't beat this beer - just make sure you drink it while its cold!
Not a complex taste that jumps out at you but some good sweet malt flavor, almost no hoppy taste (although i am a bit of a hop head). Smell is of sweet hops, something else is in the smell...just can't put my finger on it.
If its on tap or in a bottle, do yourself a favor, get some!

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2012 21:57:47 | More by

bsgcjg

Delaware

3.95/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap last week , thought it was very good, refreshing and did not have the traditional micro brew after taste at all.

I only want to know were to find this brew in a store in Delaware.?

I highly recommend trying this on tap if you can find it

Serving type: on-tap

12-27-2011 15:00:02 | More by bsgcjg

tobelerone

New Jersey

3.53/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Very clear, ruby-tinted amber color. Long lasting fluffy head and strong lacing.

Mild aroma of lightly toast bread, biscuity malt, and a very English kind of hoppiness. Kent, goldings, or both, perhaps.

Smells and tastes very traditional. Balanced but falls a bit further on the malty side. Bitterness is low and mostly felt in the finish and pleasantly lingering aftertaste. Dark toasted bread flavors most noticed; body is lightly creamy with medium to low carbonation.

Very easy to drink but not particularly crisp or refreshing. Still, enjoyable if unspectacular. Clearly fashioned after the old-school British pub style ales. Worth a shot.

Serving type: on-tap

12-14-2011 15:09:08 | More by tobelerone

socon67

New York

3.68/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours dark amber with thin foam that disappates quickly. Some carbonation

S - Scents of english malt is very noticeable.

T - Flavor of caramel, with some hearty malt flavor. Very bold taste, that is consistent throughout.

M - Rich tasting, smooth, and feels light enough to be enjoyed with a meal.

O - I'd try this again. Quite enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

10-27-2011 22:59:03 | More by socon67

icoffey

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Never had this beer before I bought a Varity Pack while in the Philadelphia Area. I have had the IPA and the Philadelphia Pale Ale, which I really like. The Brawler has a dark color with a great smell. The taste is smooth and very flavorful. Good after taste. When I am back in the Philadelphia Area, I will get more of this Ale.

Serving type: on-tap

10-23-2011 16:30:37 | More by icoffey

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

First had: ?

Not sure where or when I first had the Brawler, but I've had it multiple times on tap and in bottles. Pours a medium brown with ruby tints, and a decent white head that generally retains well. Aroma is light and mild, sweet malts and hints of earthy hops. Taste of sweet malts, nice and light, caramel, and maybe a suggestion of orange blossom, gently hopped, and slightly bitter. Clean, medium mouthfeel, and quite sessionable.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2011 07:36:02 | More by Rifugium

mactrail

California

3.4/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

The English mild flavor. A touch of mud and a hint of burnt malt. Pleasant quaff, with a bit of a woody edge. Dark amber in the pint glass. Some subtle flavors with a touch on the astringent side. Seems to have an acidic note. Good for a gulp and to be commended for at least decent flavor in a low-alcohol style. But overall, very simple.

Had a pint at Raven Hill Bluegrass in Manyunk, PA. From notes written up in June on Philadelphia Beer Week trip.

Serving type: on-tap

08-26-2011 04:57:29 | More by mactrail

Hoagie1973

New York

3.53/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Brown/amber color with a pretty thin, weak head. Almost no lacing.
Nose and flavor are way to the malty side like a Scotch Ale; touch of brown sugar, but without ever being too sweet. Finishes dry.
Medium body with good carbonation levels.
Overall not bad, but I don't know how many I could have before the flavor got old.

Serving type: on-tap

08-19-2011 14:27:13 | More by Hoagie1973

xnicknj

Pennsylvania

3.3/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

on tap at the ark in point

Pours a clear amber color with some darker hues with reddish tones. Decent white head retains for a moment, some spotty lacing on the glass.

Fairly muted nose, some sweeter malts with caramel and dark fruit, faint hops as well. Not too much going on.

Mostly malt right up front with some bready and caramel tones. Light fruits punch through with candied tones. Faint hops towards the finish, which is quick.

Medium body and carbonation, bubbly and sticky on the tongue. Drinks okay, alright in a bar where there isn't many options, but not really my favorite offering from Yards.

Serving type: on-tap

06-14-2011 03:52:40 | More by xnicknj

THECPJ

Delaware

3.5/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from notes: Had on tap at 2 stones.

appearance: dark brown with a orangish red hue and a 1 finger head

smell: malts, caramel,

taste; sweet, malts, caramel

mouthfeel: mild carbonation, medium body,

overall: not a bad beer. easy to drink. and glad I finally got to sample something from Yards.

Cheers,
the CPJ

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2011 17:13:15 | More by THECPJ

mdaschaf

Washington

3.7/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had on tap at the Pickled Pig Pub. Yards has come to Delaware!

A: Beer was served in a pint glass and was a medium brown color, almost a thin brown, with a small tan head that had decent retention and left little lacing. Small carbonation bubbles released from the bottom.

S: Caramelized malt, light hops, a little honey, and some fruits, I actually got some strawberries on the aroma.

T: Sweeter than expected with some honey and fruit, the strawberry returned, but it was not very strong. A sizeable amount of caramel and brown sugar came through on the back end with a slightly sweet finish.

M: Medium bodied, but lighter than I thought it would be with nice carbonation.

O: Very good, a nice low ABV beer that I could drink in pretty much any season. Glad that I can now pick it up at my local stores.

Serving type: on-tap

05-29-2011 16:01:45 | More by mdaschaf

micromaniac129

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the green parrot in newton.
A good looking amber hued beer. It was lightly carbonated, clear and with minimal head formation.

Aroma was lite and had a nice malt backbone slightly toasted. Hop aroma was very sutle and almost non existent.

A smooth malty brew sweet and clean. Some nuttiness and or bread notes. Not much in way of hops which is typical for this style.
A good, easy drinking beer in my opinion.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2011 13:57:50 | More by micromaniac129

NittanyBeerFan

Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Have had this on a couple of different occasions, but figured I would finally review it (even though it was officially ticked a while ago).

The color is a solid brown, but a bit on the lighter side of brown. There is a medium creamy head that doesn't hang for long, but leaves big cobwebs of lace all over the glass.

The aroma is pretty much what I expect, caramel notes and a light toasty aroma. Hops are very mild, and almost non-existent. Not surprisingly, they are more subdued that a bitter, but really, close to Fullers ESB. The palate is very similar, with caramel, biscuit, and toasted malts. Hops provide a touch of balance that pulls it back to center just before a slightly sweet finish.

A good sessionable ale with a nice feel and easy drinking characteristics. It is just interesting enough to keep me drinking it, but it is still a long ways away from something that I would seek out or go out of my way to order.

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2011 03:50:17 | More by NittanyBeerFan

thekevlarkid

Maryland

3.73/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Off tap at the Philly airport this beer was a hazy garnet color with one finger of khaki-colored head. The foam was little more than a very thin layer after five minutes and it left no lacing. The aroma was of toasted nuts, toasted malt, and caramel malt. The flavors were similar with a strong nutty/malty character though with an added element of tartness that seemed to me to be a little yeasty. What is that? Otherwise, the Munich and caramel malts came through cleanly. The mouthfeel was good, the body medium and the carbonation medium/light.

Serving type: on-tap

12-26-2010 18:50:13 | More by thekevlarkid

Soonami

Pennsylvania

2.98/5  rDev -18.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Yard's Brawler is a beer that I really enjoy in bottle form (no review posted yet), but always seems to disappoint when I have it on draft. It tastes very mild, there doesn't seem to be enough hop flavor or bitterness, the malt flavor is not expressed well with just a bit of sweetness and the mouthfeel often seems off, harsher than in the bottle. I don't know what's the magic that goes into the bottle, but I find it hard to believe that they can't get it right for kegged beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-13-2010 04:12:31 | More by Soonami