Moose Drool Brown Ale - Big Sky Brewing Company

Paulpopilek

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Like best on tap. Smooth and strong taste. Not many brown ales with this distinct taste. Great during the winter watching hockey. Great aftertaste. I would like more bite to it but usually brown ales don't so still never disappointed with this brewski

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 02:36:55 | More by Paulpopilek

RonaldTheriot

Louisiana

3.78/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale has a thick, spongy, beige head and a semi-clear, reddish-brown appearance, with minimal lacing left behind. The aroma is of sweet brown bread crust and a touch of tea, and the flavor is of tea, bread crust, sweetness, light cocoa powder, and mild bitterness. Mouthfeel is light and watery, and Moose Drool finishes dry, refreshing, and drinkable. Overall, this is very good.

RJT

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 14:16:47 | More by RonaldTheriot

BarryMFBurton

Indiana

4/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This beer was all over Missouri when I visited, and I have to say that the label drew me in. You got me, Big Sky.

Best before YESTERDAY?! DAMN IT! Oh well, what harm can a day do?

A: Dark amber-brown with a creamy beige head. Takes minutes for the foam on top to dissipate, condensing slowly into a thick layer of suds. Minimal lacing.

S: A blend of sweet chocolate and cinnamon-sugar provide a dense base to the nose, with accompanying notes of raisin and graham cracker. There’s a certain old-world character to it, as well, provided by fairly sharp mineral and metal hints. Smells like a British pub beer, and a meaty, slightly smoky malt aroma on the back end gives it even more of that charm.

T: Peaty, grainy, sophisticated malts give this beer a savory flavor – each sip powers through the convention that malt is just a vessel for the sugars in brewing, reminding that it is a grain with distinct texture and flavor. The crisp snap of grain husk and peppery rye bread balance with an earthen tone of cocoa and peat, making it easily as sippable as any dark session beer. Natural and inoffensive: none of the flavors ever go too far. Refined Euro tastes follow the nose, flint and hickory smoke providing astringency while grassy hops keep the palate from getting too dark. Finishes with a subtle smoke and chocolate dryness, moderately crisp.

M: The creamy texture is really what transports you to the pub. A nice round and chewy texture is one of the reasons this is so satisfying; still, it isn’t too thick to keep if from being sessionable.

O: Turns out this isn’t just a beer with a ridiculous name – it’s a balanced, well-made brown ale with a ridiculous name. In fact, it’s one of the most traditional American browns I’ve come across, with a grainy, no-frills taste and a mouthfeel that’s just creamy enough. I can’t believe how surprised I am at how much I like this beer…I guess either the sort-of gimmicky label or its wide availability gave me the impression that it wouldn’t that good. No hard feelings, Big Sky; I’m impressed.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 22:36:11 | More by BarryMFBurton

punky796

Michigan

4.18/5  rDev +12.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from the bottle into a pint glass.

A - Pours a dark brown (but easily seen through when held up to light) color with a touch of red, with almost a finger of cream/tan-colored head. Head disappeared pretty fast, leaving just a little bit of lacing on the glass.

S - Lots of sweet malts, with chocolate, but caramel is more noticeable to me. A little nut and banana as well. There's a dash of hops thrown in to counter the maltiness.

T - Caramel, chocolate, and other sweet malts. Pretty nutty taste, and the little bit of hops sets off the malt flavors enough so it's not overly one-sided.

M - It might be the hops that give this one a pleasingly unique feel - they give it a medium carbonation that you don't often see in something this dark or malty, but I think that works out pretty gloriously here.

O - Was very unfamiliar with Big Sky Brewing before this, so this was a good find for me. Excited to try some more of their stuff.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 06:09:05 | More by punky796

bacabuck

California

3.84/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

On tap at Selmas Chicago pizza. Deep mahogoney almost black. Creamy head that stands up well after the first few pulls and laces nicely down the glass. IBU of 30 is goldilocks for me. Not too bitter but has enough to make it interesting and stand io tl food. Really good session beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-07-2013 05:45:07 | More by bacabuck

lacqueredmouse

Australia

3.44/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

355ml bottle purchased from Berkeley Bowl West in Berkeley, CA.

Pours a really quite red colour, deep ruby, especially when held to the light. Clarity is good, and the head is solid: it started out pouring quite frothy and loose, but settles down to a solid, almost creamy persistence. Beige in colour. Lacing is full and strong. The body is fluid, but looks pretty solid. Overall, it's a pretty decent looking brew.

Nose is malty, sweet with a nutty grain character giving it some structure. There's a brightness from the hops too: although they say "spice", I get more of a lemony tone which just sets off the malt characters nicely. Again, solid stuff.

Taste is not as big as it could have been, but it has some pleasant nuttiness, some crisp, delicate grain character and a clean, slightly soapy finish from the hops. In fact, the hops are stronger than I want them to be: the sweetness shown on the nose doesn't really come through, and what promised to be a solid malt-driven beer ends up being a little piercing and a little flat.

Feel is also a little weak. Thin, and surprisingly dry.

Overall, this promised more than it delivers. I like the aroma, and I like how it looks, but when it comes down to it, it's a little bit distracted and rather pedestrian. It would be fine to drink without thinking about it, but it doesn't really stand up on its own under scrutiny.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 02:29:18 | More by lacqueredmouse

archyquaffer

Montana

3.54/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Served from a 12 ounce long neck into a Shaker pint glass. No freshness date, though I doubt the beer is very old. A moderate pour produces a billowy one inch thick tan head that hangs around. The color is a dark, reddish-brown.

I smell and taste lots of dark malt sweetness, with a definite nuttiness and hints of chocolate and maybe some banana. The hops are unnoticeable in the aroma, but lend just enough earthy bitterness to balance out the malt. The hops are most apparent in the aftertaste. The mouthfeel is slightly creamy, and seems to coat the inside of the mouth and throat.

I've been drinking this for a long time, and had to get past the name, because I honestly don't find it all that appealing or evocative (good thing!). Overall, I would say this is a pretty decent beer for the style and is also pretty cheap. Hop heads won't like it, but I think the underplayed hop profile fits the style better.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2013 02:13:32 | More by archyquaffer

cfryman

Missouri

5/5  rDev +34.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A - Pours a deep amber/brown color and topped with nearly three inches of frothy tan head.

S - Milk chocolate with hints of dark roasted chocolate and sweet toffee.

T - The taste is chocolaty with a slightly bittersweet coffee finish and plenty of roasted malt.

M - Perfect balance of creamy texture that leaves mouth coated with slight roasted-bitterness.

O - This is a perfect beer...ideal to enjoy a few in one sitting.

Serving type: Bottle

It's just as good on tap. This beer is a great go-to beer...flavorful enough for the darker/roasty beer fan but not too strong for the lighter beer drinker. This is simply a perfect beer! Kudos to Big Sky Brewing Company.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2013 18:47:45 | More by cfryman

buschbeer

Ohio

3.99/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 ounce can
Served in a perfect pint glass

A - This beer pours a dark rust color with amber highlights. It is topped with three inches of creamy, tan head.

S - I smell some dark chocolate and milk chocolate. All kinds of roasty goodness.

T - The taste has a some cocoa flavor. I get a milk chocolate thing going, too. It has a slightly bitter coffee finish.

M - Pretty full for a brown ale

O - This is a real solid brown ale.

Serving type: can

04-11-2013 20:48:15 | More by buschbeer

rgs0204

Texas

3.06/5  rDev -17.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

Appearance - clean and clear dark mahogany

Smell - toasted malts, chocolate, a hint of molasses

Taste - Initial sweetness of chocolate, finishes with a light bitterness of coffee

Mouthfeel - A little creamy; starts flat but finishes with a light fizz, coats your mouth for a long finish.

Overall - I like how Big Sky choose to name their brown ale Moose Drool, call me a sucker but I find the naming convention an example of simple creativity. The beer itself is an easy drinking beer with enough flavor to be enjoyed yet light enough to enjoy a few at a time. While It looks great and it is well balanced, it could use some more oomph (body).

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 19:48:55 | More by rgs0204

MikeAAL

Wisconsin

3/5  rDev -19.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This is a very average beer. Not impressed.

Brown body, white head.

This beer doesn't have a smell.

I can taste a little hops and some nutty flavor. Very plain.

Light mouthfeel, light carbonation. Watery.

Definately won't be buying anymore of this.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2013 18:24:30 | More by MikeAAL

AndyP612

Illinois

3.88/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

On tap pint at The Blue Door Pub reviewed from notes.

A- Flat brown with hints of red.

S- Loads of malt with overtones of toffee, coffee and chocolate.

T- Nice rich brown, a touch velvety and a bit hot.

M- Medium bodied slightly syrupy.

O- Great overall, balanced brown and the alcohol is more present than I remember from the last time I enjoyed this ale. Cheers.

Serving type: on-tap

04-03-2013 22:00:53 | More by AndyP612

bambam2517

Arizona

3.84/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

12 oz bottle poured into a pint and drank at 45F.

A - Pretty standard brown ale looks. Burgundy-mahogany body, not alot of carbonation or head forming.

S - Nice combo of NW hops and light malt, even fools me into thinking I smell a little blueberry in there. A nice one.

T - Its a touch sharper than alot of brown ales I enjoy, so a nice change of pace. But theres still a nice bready/biscuity flavor there, I find it really enjoyable.

M - Decent, too watery to rate it any higher.

O - Darn good regional beer, maybe a bit biased since its in one of my favorite styles.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 05:22:23 | More by bambam2517

zac16125

South Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +12.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

12oz bottle into a pint glass
Best by: 5/15/13 maybe, numbers are partially rubbed off

A: Pours a dark caramel brown with reddish hues when held up to a light. 2 fingers width of light tan head builds, then holds for a while showing nice retention. Leaves a small amount of lacing. Really pretty beer.

S: Caramel and chocolate are the most prominent flavors. I also notes of heavy cream and brown sugar. Not many hop characters, but thats ok. This actually smells really good for a brown ale.

T: Very malty. Roasted and caramel malts are the most prominent. A touch of heavy cream, and mild hop bitterness are also noted.

M/D: Creamy texture, very smooth. Medium body. Good drinkability. Very nice.

O: Brown ales are not one of my favorite styles, but this is a very well done and enjoyable beer. I would drink this again for sure.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 18:18:48 | More by zac16125

BoFoSho

Washington

4.31/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

For the common man, catching a glimpse of the elusive Moose is a rare and thrilling event. Though they move only slightly slower than their mammalian cousin the Sloth, these majestic beasts can be deadly if cornered. Here is some helpful advice if you ever find yourself a Moose.
The most important thing to have on your person is a six pack of Moose Drool Brown Ale. If confronted by an aggravated mother, or if a male mistakes you for a female, begin by chugging one Brown Ale. This will loosen your nerves. Throw the remaining 5 beers at the Moose as hard as possible, most likely missing on all but one or two shots. If this does not work and the Moose seems a little angry about the broken glass in its antlers, then fucking run.
The Moose Drool Brown Ale is an indispensable safety item and can be found at most grocery stores. It can be identified by its dark and deep ruby color that has a steadfast foam head. The smell gentle, reminiscent of young barley on a Spring's morning. The brew tastes much better than drool in reality, with subtle coffee, hoppy, and barley flavors that balance the palate nicely. I definite must for Moose huntin'.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2013 05:56:14 | More by BoFoSho

InlandTaipan

California

4.2/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a can in Albuquerque NM

A: Poured a beautiful chocolate brown with light tan head. very inviting.

S: Rich malt aromas, from caramel to many varieties of toasted malts. No hop character (a good thing). Chocolate aroma is pronounced as well.

T: Great flavor to this. At 5.3 it is a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Chocolate flavors are pronounced and nearly no bitterness is present. A great brown ale flavor.

M: Rich, velvety, good carbonation level. This one is a winner.

O: One of my favorite brown ales for sure. Give this one a shot if you have not

Serving type: can

02-28-2013 23:08:15 | More by InlandTaipan

kagent777

Utah

3.8/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

12 oz can from the Utah system purchased for a tasting event I was hosting. This can was left over. I had thought I had certainly reviewed this one before now. Poured into my perfect pint.

Appearance: Cola colored beer with a creamy looking sandy colored head. Nice clarity and leaves a decent amount of lacing as it goes.

Smell: Nice toasted malts with a hint of pine hops.

Taste: Nice brown toasted bread, with some hints of nuts. Just enough bitterness in the background to balance the slight sweetness. Very well balanced. Finishes with just a whiff of sweetness.

Mouthfeel: This beer has a creamy sort of feel to it's medium body. Carbonation is also soft and low. Very nice.

Overall: I am not usually a fan of brown ales, but this one is quite tasty.

Serving type: can

01-19-2013 23:57:59 | More by kagent777

tjsdomer2

Illinois

3.83/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

Appearance: Solid chocolate brown after the pour, but ruby red under the light. No foam and only a bit of lacing. Carbonation is light.

Smell: Chocolate covered strawberries. Ok, I'm not sure about the strawberries, but the chocolate, namely milk chocolate, is definitely present. There is also definitely fruit, and strawberry is as close as I can get to describing this.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Heavy chocolate liqueur flavors. Excellent roasted nut flavors, particulary hazelnut. Mouthfeel is way too thin for these flavors, but almost syrupy as well.

Overall Drinkability: A tasty beer that could use a bit more balance and body.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 02:04:56 | More by tjsdomer2

DavidST

Texas

3.51/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass, coded bottle date. This pour a clear dark brown with a large tan head which has okay retention and doesn't leave a lacing. The smells are of a little nutty toffee caramel. The feel is medium to light. The taste is okay, a little caramel and toffee and perhaps coffee, but something is missing.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 05:15:48 | More by DavidST

Uncle_Jimmy

California

3.46/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.75

Appearance poured a ruddy chestnut brown kind of hazy with one finger of light tan foam on top. good lacing.

Aroma- Coffe, carmel, earthy Molasses. Hops are subdued but piney not floral.

taste-grahm cracker fresh bread. i want this to be darker and maltier. its Husky,grainy like a weak tea.

Mouthfeel- falls apart on the mouth feel. its thin. I want more booze and more viscosity.

Overall- I thought I remember this beer being much "bigger". It has good flavor but no sustain. I would have more of these because they are so light. It could be my new brown ale session beer, if i was looking for one.

Serving type: on-tap

01-11-2013 04:57:32 | More by Uncle_Jimmy

jsisko01

Michigan

4.25/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance - Pours a very dark brown color with a half inch thick, creamy light-brown head. Leaves behind a very nice lacing.

Smell - Smells delicious.. Dark malts, caramel, and chocolate. Simple but this is my kind of brown ale.

Taste - Matches the aroma.. The malts taste slightly roasted and there's a feint coffee flavor. There is also a subtle sweetness throughout. It's very smooth overall.

Mouthfeel - Light bodied but the carbonation creates a creamy texture.

Overall - A very easy to drink brown ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2013 03:05:42 | More by jsisko01

Aaron_Ramson

California

4.05/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

My absolute favorite ABA. The clarity is absolutely impressive with a deep amber; reds and browns, copper when held to the light. The aroma is of raisins, dark toasty malts, some baking chocolate. Taste is complex and appealing; sweet coffee, unsweetened dark chocolate, roasted malt, no bitterness. Mouthfeel is thin side of medium. Carbonation is light, more so than a newcastle but only slightly. One of the best ABAs around.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2013 02:30:11 | More by Aaron_Ramson

RxLeyland

2.6/5  rDev -29.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

Typical brown ale. I'm not a fan of brown ale otherwise this would be an above average beer. Taste has depth to it with a caramel taste and a chocolate malt finish. One of the better brown ales I have had. Would not stock my fridge with it because of my own taste in beers but good to have some around for company that does.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2013 05:30:36 | More by RxLeyland

Sark

Montana

3.68/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Appearance- From a heavy growler pour there is considerable tan pebbly heady, dark red brown with root beer like appearance and carbonation

Smell- slight caramel and light toffee overtones, hops seem of the noble variety aroma

Taste- caramel on the front and toasted on the rear, light roast bitterness on the finish. Chocolate notes are sweet yet balanced.

Mouthfeel- Medium bodied, slightly watery feel

Overall- Gotta love the Moosie, this is the beer that started me on crafts. Best enjoyed around the campfire.

Serving type: growler

12-31-2012 05:45:43 | More by Sark

teromous

Virginia

4.38/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Dark brown in color with shades of dark red. Lots of carbonation, with an eggshell white head. Mild head retention, with some foam lingering around the top. Spotty lacing. Very good clarity.

S: Coffee comes through at first, with lots of mild roasted scents. I also pick up some scent that is similar to butter toffee or toffee popcorn. No hop aroma comes through. Pleasant smell.

T: Very faint coffee flavors along with an extremely milt bitter backbone...almost no bitterness but just enough to offset the very mild sweetness. There is a light sweetness that comes through like a nut-bread flavor. Very light mineral quality to the beer as well, like drinking spring water.

M: Feels light bordering on medium, very mellow. Very very light bitterness. Very smooth and an easy drinker. Feels very wet, with no astringency.

O: Overall I really enjoyed the beer and would buy it again. Overall I liked the slight nutty character and roasted coffee character in the beer the most. I didn't have any problems with the beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 17:35:10 | More by teromous