The Recluse
Surly Brewing Co.

One of the better new beers I’ve had from surly in a long time (and definitely not a winter warmer as it was entered originally). At the brew hall, pours an clear orange amber, just a thin ring of white fizzy bubbles. Nose is woody wine barrel, fermented fruit punch, a little vanilla and orange blossom. Taste brings out the tropical juiciness, keeps the dusky wood which is also kind of warm,, and adds some real juicy and wet funk. Feel is both lively and a little heavy and almost syrupy….maybe that makes it sound worse than it actually is. The point is that my tongue feels totally coated, but there’s also a real zippy edge (that almost gets a little hot on the finish) to the mouthful. I do think it is a little heavier than is ideal, but, that’s a quibble. This is an interesting beer that has a lot going on, and it is very tasty and a little surprising.