Barrel Aged Grizz - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Durge

Connecticut

3.9/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed this one at The Grill Next Door in Haverhill, Massachusetts. It’s a dark, golden brown color with a decent off-white cover and good lacing. The nose picks up an edgy, sprucey malt. Nothing complex or highly decisive but pleasant. Then the first taste brings on some interesting and enjoyable flavors including tart cherry and subtle sweet maple-butterscotch. I get some woodsy edges but not as much bite as I typically enjoy most from this style. Still quite tasty. It's solidly medium body with reasonable, light carbonation to provide a drinkable, easy feel. I like it, but would not be high on my list of sours. Would drink again though!

Serving type: on-tap

04-08-2012 04:12:17 | More by Durge

MasterSki

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had this on-tap at Whole Foods - Santa Rosa. Served in a tulip glass.

A - A finger of tan foam settles to a thick collar, partial cap, and splotchy spots of lace. Very dark brown body that is lighter at the fringes.

S - This is quite jammy - perhaps this is actually the blackberry version? In any case, there's a good amount of toasted grains, sugary malts, light chocolate, and only mild funk and tartness. Not much barrel presence.

T - Taste is again quite fruity, with chocolate and berries dominating the palate. Some light vinous oak notes, and only mild sourness, but more presence than in the aroma. This is definitely more in the Flanders Brown mold than American Wild Ale.

M - Smooth, medium-full body, with moderate and pleasant carbonation. Lightly dry vinous with some tannic oak. Alcohol is quite well-hidden.

D - Pretty easy to drink, but I think more time in the barrels to give this a tad more tartness would probably be beneficial. Still, it's a step up from the other sours I've tried from Bear Republic (other than Tartare).

Serving type: on-tap

02-24-2012 21:02:46 | More by MasterSki