(512) Bruin

Brewed by (512) Brewing Company
Style: Brown Ale
Austin, Texas USA

I had high expectations for this, as 512 is one of my favorite breweries. I sort of disappointed. Not to say it is bad. It had a nice, but not overpowering hop flavor, but lacked the chocoloate, malty flavor I expect in a brown. It tasted more like a pale ale than a brown. The alcohol content is pretty well hidden too. Still a good beer, just if I want a brown, I’ll probably go with something else.

On tap at the Austin Saucer. This interesting brown ale has a deep dark, almost black color with a classy, slight red tint to it and a fine white head. Its aroma is pretty roasted. Once it hits your mouth you experience a very silky, smooth mouthfeel with something exciting behind it. Its flavor is lightly roasted and pleasant. Its color, as you drink, actually gets more orange. Lightly bitter finish. Overall, I felt this beer provided an exceptional experience and was a treat to drink. I’d suggest to anyone.

On tap at Opal Divine’s Penn Field. Not much carbonation but medium to dark brown color. The aroma is malty and fruity. Flavor is sweet and malty with a good deal of fruit character. There is a slight bitterness to balance the other flavors. Nicely balanced. The 7.6% is somewhat hidden. Great beer. Also had the randallized version through centennial hops at Draught House....pretty tasty. (Re-rate from pint at Dig Pub in Cedar Park---more carbonation now, nice big brown ale)