Natty Greenes Tarheel Tarwebier

I really enjoyed this unusual ale and would’ve picked up a growler for my wheat lovin’ buddy <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/ViewUser.asp?UserID=18655>frankenkitty if I was going to get home sooner. It pours a deep, deep amber body with a creamy beige head. One of the spiciest noses I’ve encountered in a long time other than American Christmas ales and pumpkin beers. A strong, fresh banana smell is blended with clove, mint, mace, and pine needles. A soft caramel is added to the flavor, but the fruit (some apples & pears jumping in) and spices dominate. You’re left with the feeling that you’ve just chewed and swallowed some spicy cookies and a slice of fruitcake.

<font size=-4>On tap at the <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=2221>Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Company, Greensboro, NC.<font size=-1>

Sampled at Brewgrass Fest. Very unusual but tasty beer. Color was chestnut brown with a cream colored head. Nice lacing. Aroma was slightly yeasty, and seemen to have somestrange spices in with some malts. The flavor seemed to me to be almost like a brown ale profile, with some spices (couldn’t tell which ones) thrown in.

Sampled at the 10th annual Brewgrass festival in Ashville. Chestnut with amber hints. Foamy, lasting, off white head. Looks creamy. Sweet fruit aroma of apple and cherries. Perhaps some malt, but it is light and secondary. Sour hints that remind you of Flemish sour. The taste has a lovely light sweetness that is fruity in nature and well balanced grain/wheat holding it together and allowing the fruit to make an impression as opposed to stomping you in the mouth. Any sour hints are just that, hints. It’s more present in the aroma. Light body. Really the surprise of the day for me at this festival. Very enjoyable.

From notes 4/20/05: Listed name is "Oud Vlaanders Donker Tarwebier" = Old Flanders Dark Wheat Ale Brewed in celebration of Scott’s 100th brew at Natty Greene’s. Congratulations!!! Per the chalkbaord: "Flemish-style dark wheat ale. Intense caramel and wheat aroma with soft notes of chocolate malt and dates. Delicately spiced with chamomile and coriander." Pours a slightly murky auburn color with glints of orange. Creamy off-white head shows glimpses of yellow-orange tones. Thin film of lace clings to the glass with each successive sip. Aromas are sweet and flowery. The caramel notes, although not "intense" to me, are still quite bold. Subtle perfumey scents from the spicing. Very flowery and light. Flavors are sweet with the caramel. The wheat is prominent giving this beer a smooth feel. Coriander is limited on the palate; not a boisterous spicing here. The chamomile wins out with its perfume feel. Little in the way of yeasty tones. A smooth smooth beer. Easygoing mouthfeel. Drinkable and refreshing. A novel brew for their 100th. Congrats again!

Pour is light amber with a thin tan head...smell is roasty with some yeast...wheat is in the flavor...they say it has brett and all kinds of other goodness in it...not that I can find...