Marzonis Brown Ale

Sampler at the Allison Park location, 02.03.08 (Super Bowl Sunday). Sampler courtesy of the brewer’s assistant. Darker clear brown, off white head. Aroma is malt, caramel: smells chewy. Flavor is the same with some honey wheat and is indeed chewy.

On tap at the Marzoni’s in Allison Park, Pittsburgh. Has a good roasty aroma with a background that is reminiscent of fresh J&L slag or permanent hair treatment my mom used to use when I was a kid. Darker looking brown and hazy, somewhat like dark iced tea. Mild carbonation that borders on creamy. Well mannered and friendly flavor with a little bitterness that is difficult to identify. Not bad for a darker brew but it could be a little more well behaved. Would not know this is 4% or less in ABV. Has flavor attributes that make me think it is much higher. Mild to medium bitter builds on the back of the throat and hangs for a while after the session, tho not really offensive, just enough to let you know it’s beer.

5 oz sample at the brewery. 2007 version, 4.0% ABV. Has sort of a cherry and brown sugar colored body. Malt-forward, toasty and bready with a little bit of spice as well, like toasted raisin spice bread. Bready and fresh overall, a well made brown that I honestly wouldn’t mind drinking.

Mild aromas. Dusty roasted nutty malts. Light floral hops, a bit peppery with notes of licorice. Medium amber-brown, hazy, with thin off-white lacing head. Medium watery body with medium carbonation. Starts with a bit of caramel sweetness, dry nuttiness. Dry throughout with nice floral nutty bitterness. Finish is a dry bitter nutty sweetness. Light bitter after.