Dead Leaves
Scratch Brewing Company

This version was made with dead oak & hickory leaves, partially collected by Michael Roper of the Hopleaf. Served in honor of his 70th birthday.

I had this on draft 1/11/24 @ the Hopleaf.

Semi-opaque dark orange appearnce.

Big eggshell-colored head; a thick curtain of tree-rung lacing remained.

Jasmine, mild notes of fine perfume & a hint of lemon in the nose.

Creamy medium mouthfeel.

Jasmine & faint lavendar flavors up front; fresh rice notes on the finish.

Unique, pleasant & extremely drinkable. I'm not sure I'd call this an English Pale Ale, but while some Scratch experiments are more interesting than tasty, this one is utterly fantastic. Special.

Mostly clear amber body with a clear bubble cap with white accents. Aromas of big gum, grains, bright earth, pine and yeast. Taste has the gum, citrus zest, and bright malt up front, pine, pleasant yeast and grain fill out the second half. Very bright and crisp, unshockingly botanical given the brewer, sneaky chewy and full despite lighter body. All around good ale with unique ingredients

Saturated amber orange tone, plenty of rising carb trails, a finger of head that fades with minimal lacing. Slightly fruity yeast esters in the aroma, mild bubblegum and grainy malt. Taste is malty with some yeast complexity that lends vague notes of dried fruit. Light bodied with a tiny amount of bitterness in the aftertaste. Can’t really say the pine needles and sweet gum leaves are all that distinctive, but it’s a tasty English pub ale nonetheless.

Thanks to Bill for this one!