The Great Northeastern Blend
Hermit Thrush Brewery

Canned 7/18/22. “Epic blend” stamped on the side of the can

This sounds like an epic blend indeed. It’s not too often you see sour Brown and Golden Ales blended together, nevermind both red and white wine barrels. Let’s crack this funky blend open and see what it has to offer

Pours an opaque reddish brown with a finger of creamy off white head that fades to a ring and leaves minimal lacing

The nose is sharp but jammy and complex at the same time. I’m picking up on aromas of black cherry, sharp oak, grape skin, old leather, brown sugar, stone, tart blackberry, jammy red wine, and light molasses

It’s somehow even more aggressive in taste but never becomes overbearing. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting black cherry, brown sugar, sharp oak, tannic red wine, molasses, burnt caramel, grape skin, wet hay, and light leather. The swallow brings notes of black cherry, sharp oak, burnt caramel, cherry pit, tannic red wine, stone, smoky tobacco, tart raspberry, and molasses

A medium body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a slick beer. Finishes rather sticky and heavy but dries out over time

The mouthfeel weighs this down a bit but otherwise it’s damn good