Bitter Brewer
Surly Brewing Co.
- From:
- Surly Brewing Co.
- Minnesota, United States
- Style:
- English Bitter
- ABV:
- 4%
- Score:
- 89
- Avg:
- 3.98 | pDev: 11.06%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 446
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Mar 03, 2021
- Added:
- May 05, 2007
- Wants:
- 234
- Gots:
- 89
SCORE
89
Very Good
89
Very Good
Brewed with a significant portion of Simpsons Golden Promise, the malt character comes across as toasty, and the flaked oats provide some additional mouthfeel to offset the bitterness. The hops provide an orange aroma and flavor, almost like marmalade. The current signature hop is Mandarina Bavaria, a new aromatic varietal coming out of Germany that has distinct tangerine and orange-like notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by MNAle:
Reviewed by MNAle from Minnesota
2.36/5 rDev -40.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
2.36/5 rDev -40.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
This is an updated review of the 2015 version of Bitter Brewer. I had previously only done a rating for this beer. This beer has been a favorite for several years, but this year's example is hugely disappointing. No, not just disappointing; it is a major departure in the thin hop water direction of session ales. I've put my former numerical ratings below for anyone who is interested. My current ratings are what is reflected in this review. I sincerely hope Surly reconsiders their direction for this beer.
Hazy orange. White head, dissipates quickly, little/no lacing. Faint somewhat citrusy aroma. If the dry hopping was for aroma, it didn't do much. Initial taste is mild, transitioning to a very bitter, piney, orangy, borderline unpleasant aftertaste that hangs around much too long. So long, in fact, the astringent bitterness is still there long after I would like to take another drink. Mouth feel is thin, watery. Overall, this is a significant step backwards for what used to be one of my favorites. I'm unlikely to buy it again.
Old rating, with my notes (I did not enter these notes as a review here; they're just my notes):
A bit too high in American hopiness to be a true English-style bitter, but otherwise, it is reasonably faithful to the style. My 2nd favorite local bitter, and overall it has the advantage of not being an ESB. I wish this was a year-round offering from Surly.
L: 3
S: 4
T: 4
F: 3
O: 4.25
Jul 28, 2012Hazy orange. White head, dissipates quickly, little/no lacing. Faint somewhat citrusy aroma. If the dry hopping was for aroma, it didn't do much. Initial taste is mild, transitioning to a very bitter, piney, orangy, borderline unpleasant aftertaste that hangs around much too long. So long, in fact, the astringent bitterness is still there long after I would like to take another drink. Mouth feel is thin, watery. Overall, this is a significant step backwards for what used to be one of my favorites. I'm unlikely to buy it again.
Old rating, with my notes (I did not enter these notes as a review here; they're just my notes):
A bit too high in American hopiness to be a true English-style bitter, but otherwise, it is reasonably faithful to the style. My 2nd favorite local bitter, and overall it has the advantage of not being an ESB. I wish this was a year-round offering from Surly.
L: 3
S: 4
T: 4
F: 3
O: 4.25
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada
3.69/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.69/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Comes out golden, somewhat a darker shade. Good 3/4" white head, solid retention. Aroma came off as grain more than hops. No different than a BMC with ale yeast it seemed.
Taste was substantial for a session beer, good bitterness, earthy floral hops, light body, pale toasted malts.
A great beer for golf. Good format. Would bang again.
Apr 28, 2016Taste was substantial for a session beer, good bitterness, earthy floral hops, light body, pale toasted malts.
A great beer for golf. Good format. Would bang again.
Reviewed by BeerGeek50 from Minnesota
3.25/5 rDev -18.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
3.25/5 rDev -18.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pale yellow but a bit hazy pour. Thin white head. Citrus, pineapple, almost candied citrus on the nose. Flavor is orangey/grapefruit. A bit odd. Not what I was expecting.
Dec 27, 2015
Reviewed by SteveB24 from New York
3.86/5 rDev -3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
3.86/5 rDev -3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
I wasn't blown away by this beer, but i have to say its very impressive that they managed to pack a nice, fruity flavor into such a light beer. pleasant aroma as well, very fizzy. this would be a great choice for lawn mowing.
Dec 14, 2015
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