Ungespundet
Notch Brewing

Pours a golden, perhaps bronze, perhaps copper. Golden with some reddish hues. Bready biscuity nose. Graham cracker, cracker, brown butter, some cinnamon. It's crispy, endlessly enjoyable. A terrific rendition. As close to Mahrs as you can find in the US.

 

 

 

 

 

Drank from a 16 fl. oz. can purchased at Notch Brewing, Salem, MA
Born on: 10/20/20
Served in a Willi Becher

Nearly crystal clear, medium amber appearance. The liquid was topped by a tight, frothy, two-finger tall, beige colored crown that fell to a thin cap. A patchy sheet of lacing stuck along the glass.

There was a big, bready, biscuity malt presence in the aroma. German-style malts dominated. Fairly doughy and sweet. Touch of caramelization. Hint of fruitiness too. As the beer warmed, some floral hops appeared. The fruity notes intensified as well.

The flavor profile was also very malt forward. German malts came through strong. Bready and biscuity. Touch of caramel. Big fruity presence in the center. Apple and pear notes perhaps. Some earthy hops appeared as the beer moved along the palate. Moderate amount of lingering bitterness after the swallow.

Excellent fluffy, lighter bodied mouthfeel. The beer contained a finely beaded, fairly aggressive effervescence that felt lively and sprightly on the palate.

While I typically think of Kellerbiers as being hazy renditions of crisp, bright pilsners, Ungespundet was neither hazy nor very bright. Instead, I found this beer to be quite bready and malt forward. I am sure Notch knew what they were doing with this recipe, but it definitely threw me for a loop.

 

Poued from a 16 oz can dated "born on 10/20/20" into the test mug
A - Dark straw colored back drop, excellent clarity displays meandering random spheres. The loose knit white froth is its own being. Hangs on top like egg white, just before its really ready.
S - Sweet malts, a biscuit underlay, earthy floral element.
T - A bit of graham cracker, hint of honey, again with the earthy hops, no citrus here, Excellent flavors run in a narrow band
M - For a 4.5% offering this is creamy and rich on the palate, Start is semi sweet, then a gentle nudge of bittering hop pushes the palate experience toward neutral. Finish is crisp, with a lovely biscuit linger
O - A lovely offering from a talented brewer, The depth of flavor is worth the deep dive into this lovely treat.
Visually that loose frothy cap is simply outstanding.