Unda Cova Brudda
ZümBier

 

 

Purchased in Gurnee, IL in 8/14 – 22oz bomber – almost 9 months ago. I must admit that I was raised in Waukegan, IL and never thought I’d drink a beer from home. But, my expectations weren't high (no offense). An Imperial Rye India Style Black Ale. That’s a new one…but intriguing.

Opened on a flat surface and heard a strong pressure release. Then came a bit of overflow…not in itself a bad thing. Poured a three-finger head of very dense head (almost looked like Guinness on nitro), which stayed a good while and, afterwards, left a solid lace. Dark brown with a hint of red.

Aroma was immediately sweet/caramel and piney hop, rich malts. Really inviting.

Mouthfeel fit the appearance – very smooth and creamy, almost like it was on nitro. Not over-carbonated at all.

Taste started as an IIPA, then I got the rye – excellent representation of the flavor, then black ale (a bit). The flavors really blended into a single profile – dangerously drinkable.

I must say that I am truly impressed and would buy more in a heartbeat (but I live in MN). I think this aged nicely at 9 months…enough so that I’d shoot for 6-18 months. I really hope I get to try this again…

 

This is an Imperial Rye India Style Black Ale. I don't normally review, but this one deserves to be noticed. This beer is four disparate ideas that first pass over the tongue in series, yet seamlessly, then they come together as a whole. That it was able to do this was dumbfounding.
As the other reviewer described the appearance, taste, and mouthfeel surpass the nose, but this beer makes up for that small oversight in spades.
While it isn't a daily drinkable (the best ones never are!), this beer is as memorable as the best of the best.

 

Serving: Bomber, split with another, poured into HopSlam tulip
Served: 26 June 2014

Appearance: Pours a thick, dark brown-black with the slightest hints of amber when held to the light. One finger head dissipates slowly and leaves great lacing.

Smell: Bold roasted notes at first, with a bit of hoppiness evident as well. The beer ended up smelling far too sweet though as it started warming up. I would have liked the malts to remain roasty in the nose.

Taste: The taste redeems the smell, for sure. This is a big beer with strong roasted malt notes, a slight hint of toffee or molasses sweetness, and a big pop of zesty, citrus hoppiness. For being an imperial black IPA, this one doesn't overdo one aspect too much, and certainly doesn't taste like a nearly 10% beer.

Mouthfeel: Thinner than I was expecting given the alcohol level and rye brewed into this.

Overall: Not a bad brew, and a promising one from a new up-and-coming brewery. Would recommend as a great beer from the northern IL suburban brewing scene.