Tweety (108), Boston, Massachusetts, USA Mar 19, 2008 On tap at the pub. Exactly what it sounds like, this is somewhere between a sweet british ale and an IPA, like a very malty, sweet ale, but with a great hops finish. LawStudent09 (233), Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA Feb 12, 2008 On tap at Town Hall. A hoppy brown ale. Wonderful. Dark brown pour with a dirty white head that disipates quickly. Hops apparent in the aroma with a slight burnt malt. The flavor is slight mslt with some nut and the hops come through again. tennisjoel (645), Shakopee, Minnesota, USA Feb 4, 2008 Picture Masala Mama with a very slight brown ale flavor, then you have Town Hall India Brown Ale. This really is an IPA, with very little malt. But it’s very enjoyable and well done. It probably would have been more interesting if the malt was amped up some. But I digress...it’s good. ElGaucho (1715), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Jan 29, 2008 Draft at brewpub at the 2008 debut release. Some hop in the nose although nothing overly distinctive. Amberish. Hazy dark red with a tan head. Some lace. Head not all that lasting. Strong with a Surly Furious-esque harshness brought on by the interplay between Amarillo hop and chocolate malt. Long, hoppy finish. A very nice brew that expertly achieves that which was intended and which I understand is a great accompaniment to islay’s jalapeño cheese pretzels. islay (322), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Jan 28, 2008 Pint on tap at the brewpub at the official 2008 release on 1-28-08. Fresh, strong, floral aroma that is both malty and hoppy. Peach, mango, rose, and caramel scents. Pours a clear, medium brown or dark copper with an amber hue. Produces a nice, red-brown glow. Small to moderate amount of short-lasting, uneven, beige head. Produces nice lacing. Tastes of toasted malt and dry hops. This definitely is what it claims to be, a hopped up brown ale. Caramel and bread flavors from the malt. Grapefruit and pine from the hops. Light fruit taste; a touch of strawberries and cream. At first, the IPA character dominates, but sweet, brown sugar-like malt taste overcomes the hops after multiple sips. Medium body. Smooth and lively in the palate. Very drinkable. I’m giving this only a 15 overall because it was between a 3 and 4 in appearance and a 7 and 8 in flavor, and I went high in both cases. Nonetheless, it probably deserves a 16. Town Hall India Brown Ale surpassed my expectations to become one of my favorite Town Hall brews. It was a great accompaniment to my jalapeno cheese pretzels.
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