Old Grounds
Slack Tide Brewing Co.

 

2021-11-06
16oz can served in a Kane tulip. Received from @MacMalt in NBS BIF #14. No date on the can, but based on MacMalt's review, I imagine the canning date was close to the beginning of October. BA currently lists it at 7%, but my can very clearly says 7.3%.

Pours a clear light brassy golden with a big head. Head settles slowly into a thick ring and a thin layer with some hearty lacing. Smell is citrus and pine and some honey or honeysuckle sweetness.

Taste is leaning more toward pine resin bitterness, not harsh but not gentle. Some of the sweetness is there, but like a WC IPA should, it's more about the bitterness.

Mouthfeel is pretty close to the middle of the medium range. Fairly effervescent. Overall, this will scratch that itch for sure.

Reviewed less than a week after can release. Poured into a Slack Tide tulip glass. It pours a cloudy, golden-honey color with a half finger of creamy, bright white head and clinging lacing. Very attractive. The nose is mellow with lite floral hops and a yeasty aroma. The taste opens dry and mildly bitter with lots of grapefruit rind and lemon peel. As it warms a bit the malt bill comes alive and reminds me of sourdough. Eventually, the malt sweetens some more which adds another dimension. Unfortunately, Slack Tide doesn't advertise the hops, malt, and yeast they use in this ale but the results are impressive. The mouth feel is crisp and clean with an enjoyable level of carbonation, and it's very drinkable at 7.3% ABV. I pounded the first can. Overall, Old Grounds is very well conceived and executed. It's flavorful and the sourness in the background is a real plus. This is a first rate offering from an excellent small brewer. I enjoyed it with a plate of Virginia ham and sharp cheese.