Hop Monster
Springfield Brewing Company

Springfield Brewing Company's Mueller Hop Monster was brewed to celebrate SBC's 9th anniversary and pours up heavily with a tannish head that briefly tops the deep copper-orangish amber body. The rich, malty aroma shows some nice caramel, candied honey (e.g. Bit-O-Honey) and some nuttiness (e.g. toasted pine nuts). The citrusy & piney hops remain, but are subdued by a superior maltiness that has taken over. Hints of bourbon, cherry tobacco, and warm vanilla wafers add to the overall complexity. Alcohol noted. The generous flavor starts off with some some caramel sweetness that's complimented by a solid winter barley (i.e. Maris Otter) maltiness that eventually gives way to a moderate, but nicely balanced bitterness which creates a smooth, slightly chewy, and warming finish. This medium-full bodied anniversary ale is clean with a lovely nougaty creaminess that masks the strength well. The draught version tasted more of an English IPA whereas the bottled version seemed more indicative of an American Strong Ale. This is one of those beers that defies categorizing and gets better with age. Try pairing this one with a piece of SBC's famous Bourbon Pecan Pie a la mode or make it a dessert unto itself. Here's to 'The Wizard' and his Hop Monster with The Strength of 9!

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