Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale
The beer pours a brassy gold, topped with a short, modest crown of ivory foam. Very fine bubbling in the head, retaining easily through the entire glass. Sticky cobwebs of lace trail down the glass in a very satisfying manner. Good clarity, perhaps a slight chill haze, but I'm not complaining. The aroma is rather surprising. I don't know what I was expecting, but from the glass wafts an aroma reminiscent of a log cabin 150 miles from the nearest stop light, in the middle of the woods, home to Oleg the trapper and his pet black bear. Very rough edged and grizzly, with considerably grainy, biscuity malt. The grain takes on a distinct, husky sharpness, with an undercurrent of hazelnutty yeast. A trace of lemon and apple peeks through, very mild, pinned under a fallen pine tree of hoppy bitterness. I suppose I was anticipating a milder, smoother brew, but this does just fine. The flavor starts with little sweetness, replaced with a grainy, husky biscuit maltiness. A touch of apple fruitiness in the middle, along with a yeast flavor hinting towards hazelnut and walnut. The finish is nicely balanced, with an assertive hopping providing a low pitched bitterness. Very piney, woody and earthy. A touch of toffee and burnt malt notes creep into the finish, the biscuity flavor lingering in the aftertaste forever. A rather dry finish, with an almost powdery feel. The mouthfeel is actually pretty dry throughout, the fine carbonation assisting the feel. Rough hewn and angular. Medium bodied, more or less, but feels a bit more substantial. I never would have guessed cascade for the hopping, after looking at their website. I would have figured an earthier variety like northern brewer, with perhaps some cascade for flavor and aroma. I don't know if I'd want to drink a beer this harsh all the time, but it's a nice switch from the smoother english styles I've been drinking lately. Another winner from these folks. They're shooting 100% with me so far. Thanks to oldcrustacean for the bottle!