Mikes (surfinmikeg) triple reef ale.
pour is 2 finger head that dissapates to white/tan cap after 5 minutes. hazy reddish brown color. aroma is somewhat nutty like brown ale, with little to no hop aroma. body is light to medium with good carbonation. not sure what im picking up in hop flavor here. its somewhat herbal and spicey and it lingers in the finish. not at all familiar with hallertau blanc, but its interesting and unique. the finish is dry and crisp with hints of crystal malt.
nicely done ale, that while different is actually quite pleasing and drinkable as you keep sipping it. nice beer Mike!
Hey Ken! Thanks for this review, as well as the previous one on the chocolate raspberry porter.
I have to say that I've gleaned quite a bit from the conversations of Swap-tobertfest, thanks again to Jim for organizing. It's clear that I need to try a Pilsner with '830 a la the brewing notes Frank passed along, as well as trying whirlpool additions on just about everything. I'm not there with sours yet, but see the passion with which others appear to be creating awesome brews.
The background on this one is kinda funny. It was for a future brother-in-law where I needed to have a good brewday with him. I made a bunch of 1 gallon test batches ahead of time (variations on a Fat Tire), then had him tastes grains to pick and choose before crushing and brewing, as well as smoking meats on BBQ all day long.
All the grain choices are on a whim (Pils, C120, Victory, Vienna), I could see where if I got the ratios right it could be super nice. When it came to choosing hops, Hallertau Blanc was the more unknown and experimental of what I had on-hand; I'm not sure what it would be best in but people seem like it.