Hold Onto Your Butts
Mad Swede Brewing Company

an awfully robust red ale here, especially for its modest alcohol content, this drinks sturdy despite not being all that sweet for the style. its very well made overall, and has some similarities to their popular scotch ale on the malt side. we enjoyed them side by side and there is some of that same deep nutty toasted richness to this one too, earthy and hearty without being sugary. this is deeper in color than many, but still short of anything roasty to me in taste, its warm and cozy beer, not really hoppy or with any of that herbal or fresh character to lighten and brighten it, and the yeast is pretty well out of the flavor mix, even though it appears to have been quite thorough in its work. the keys here are its finishing dryness, its high carbonation, and its overall degree of refinement, which are all solid features. i like it being a little bolder in terms of grain taste, but i also dont want to drink a half dozen pints of this, especially as spring weather breaks out here finally. this is more fall than spring beer to me, even wintery in some ways, but its very well made and that is one thing we can always expect from these guys. i am thankful to finally see a new beer on their menu here, feels to me like its been the same old stuff for awhile now, so this was a welcome sight on their menu!

Draft at Cole Rd location. Dark, clear amber, soft creamy head, solid lacing. Malty aroma, brown bread, toasty. Taste continues with the malty flavors, bread and adds a edge of bitterness. Finishes a bit dry, but super tasty.