Another quite evening at home, so just doing a couple beers this evening. So I am doing a couple of beers from one of my favorite breweries, Surly http://www.surlybrewing.com/. They also can their beers, but they use 16 ounce cans. unlike 21st Amendment which I had last night.
First up tonight is Bender, they call it an oatmeal brown ale. When poured into the glass it is a medium brown beer with a tan head. First aromas are of coffee, chocolate and caramel little to no noticeable hop aroma. Flavor for this beer is sweet malt caramel-like and a slight bitterness from the hops. As well there is an interesting amount of chocolate and an intriguing graininess, probably from the oats. This is a medium full bodied beer that finishes crisp and dry. Checking in at 5.5% ABV it is a nice drinkable beer that is a bit high for a session beer, but it does make you want to drink a few at one sitting.
Second beer is Furious, American IPA and one of my favorites from Surly and overall on of my favorite beers ranking up there with Stone's Arrogant Bastard. It pours a medium gold with an off white head. An assertive malt backbone is complemented by citrus and pine hop aromas. Caramel blends with the hops to make a truly drinkable beer that hop heads like myself absolutely love! This beer checks in at 6.5% ABV which is nicely hidden in this beer which can make you think you can have several at a sitting.
In little more than 5 years Surly Brewing has gained a reputation of brewing great beers. Along with some of ours friends we found Surly at the Great Taste of the Midwest almost 4 years ago. They have recently expanded their brewery and are in the process of trying to change Minnesota law to allow a brewery to have a restaurant in the same building. The only catch is they do not distribute beyond Minnesota, since they can not keep up with demand. At least though with my travels for work I can pick up a supply when I need it.
QC Beerguy
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