Great Taste of the Midwest 2008

Directly after getting in I made a beeline for New Albanian. I wanted to start with something light to prepare myself for the marathon to come. This was just the ticket. I wasn’t expecting it to be so dark after seeing it listed as a California Common but I guess when you use sour mash it turns out differently. Check this one out if you happen to be at the brewpub.

Aroma / Appearance - The dark brown body was the opposite of the golden color I was initially expecting. The nose was sour and earthy with a blend of black cherries and wood. For being only 5% it was a little more dense than I expected.

Flavor / Palate - The sour malt at the start yields to a moist woody finish. Very drinkable it would be easy to eliminate a growler of this in short order. Light on the stomach and palate it is the perfect start to a long session of big bold beers.

Draft at the brewpub: When I ordered this, I thought it was going to be a steam beer, and yellow in color. It came alongside a Community Dark and looked virtually the same. Dark brown with a medium beige head. Aroma was of light roasted malt with hints of sour cherries. Flavor was much the same. Just a slight sour note to it with a little roasted malt. Kindof watery but easy drinking. I enjoyed it.

Most unique beer I’ve had. Quite sour, though I was told once upon a time a better batch was brewed when the barrel endured a brutal 110 degree day. Dark brown and transparent. Notes of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries. As most would say, odd. Quite odd. But worth the effort. Extra points for style.

Dark brown with only a few large bubbles. Dark fruit aroma. Sour mash flavor with some whiskey, barley, and acid. Very thin feel. Far too sour for me.