Bard's Brew
Upstream Brewing Company - Old Market

Clear, amber in hue with a kiss of gold as well. The liquid looks pleasant but very, ordinary. It looks like a run-of-the-mill brewpub ale. I know no other way to explain it. The head was off-white in color; it quickly faded to a thin, soapy collar. This beer has been in a growler for only ten hours, I’m guessing some of the “appearance blah-ness” is due to the bartender’s improper filling of the growler, their loss and mine. There was no subsequent lacing. The appearance is average and not impressive.

The nose is very clean. Is that a kiss of malt? Maybe. Maybe not. Okay it is but this beer needed to be at near room temperature for any aroma to bloom. Boring. I’m worried; I blindly had a growler filled of this. I sure hope this beer improves because the nose is not inviting because it doesn’t say anything.

The palate has flavor. It is mostly malty. There is something odd/off here. I taste a faint candied, spicy, fruity, meaty flavor. I taste copper too. It would seem this small beer is showing some of its faults. The more I sip it, the more I’m confused. This isn’t a bad beer and maybe it is not really flawed but I don’t care for what I taste. It is rather, no pun, mild. It is almost like Fat Tire but de-hopped and watered down. Now, who really wants that!

Medium/medium-light in body, low but natural carbonation. The mouthfeel fits this beer well.

It is easy to drink, like water is. Water tastes better. I’m not looking forward to finishing my glass… or my growler. I am a damn fool for blindly buying this. Oh well. I can’t recommend this beer. Purchased from the Old Market location.