Good Cheer
Third Space Brewing

 

 

Appearance: Pours a clear, deep brown, dark color with a strong tan head. SRM of 19. (4.00)

Aroma: Strong aromas of dark grains, cocoa, earthy and oaky notes with hints of roast and espresso. (4.00)

Flavor: Strong flavors of dark grains, cocoa, earthy and oaky notes. Yeasty, faint roast. Some caramel, but dry. (4.25)

Feel: Medium-body, strong carbonation. Smooth earthy and yeasty finish. (4.25)

Compared to Drekker Knock Knock 12/24: Pours darker, stronger aromas. More dark grains, cocoa, roast. Less smooth caramel and brown sugar. Winner: Third Space

to Utepils Loonar Eclipse 1/25: Pours lighter. Milder aromas. More caramel/brown sugar. Less dark cocoa, grains. Similar.

to Half Acre Ridge Tree 1/25: Pours darker, stronger aromas. More dark cocoa, fruit, sweet espresso. Less grainy and roast. Drier.

to Phase Three P3 Winter Lager 2/25: Pours with a lighter head. Identical aromas. More earthy and roast. Less yeasty and toasted notes, but overall quite similar.
4/25: Pours similar, milder aromas. Less brown grains and nuts. More sweet caramel. Sweeter.

to Modist Pretty Metal 2/25: Pours lighter, stronger aromas. Less cocoa and roast. More smooth caramel and brown sugar.

to Little Thistle Mist & Shadow 1/25: Pours darker, stronger aromas. More dark cocoa, grains. roast. Less caramel. Cleaner.
Overall: They have been killing the dark and malty beers lately. Not sleeping on this. First try. It's dark. Some grains, yeast, but also oaky notes of cocoa and espresso. Not overly sweet. Outstanding and will pick up more of these. (Rating: 4.18)

 

Only my second from Third Space (and the first was over five years ago), I sense this micro is maturing nicely. The first was a mosaic APA (Happy Place) that impressed me in its simplicity and balance. Deservedly, it has become this micro's flagship and, I presume, cash cow. Now 7 years old, Third Space has grown into a summer beer garden with music and food trucks. Its taproom is only a block from I-94, making it hard to build community... or even a third space for folks to meet, but they have succeeded. The brewer also conducts a series of eight or more Beer Classes that I'd like to attend... but can't until the Hiawatha runs a train after 9PM to Chicago. So instead, I give Third Space lots of Overall Hugs for stuff that is in addition to good beer.

Good Cheer is balanced; showing the brewer's training and discipline. Looks are more amber, but has a welcoming foam. Smells are mostly malt, but there is some subtle nut stimulating the back of my nose. The nut is more prominent in the Tastes, which are well balanced and introduce a spicy grain that minimizes the temptation for being too generous with hops. Medium-mouthed. A decent lager to have with lunch (thanks for the 12 ounce can so I don't have to take a nap.)

12 oz can poured into a tulip glass. Pours a medium chestnut brown color with a creamy head. Aroma and flavor feature nutty/toasty/bready malt, a hint of pumpernickel, and light hops (spicy/earthy). Similar flavor profile to a (non-hoppy) brown ale but more chocolate malt. Mouthfeel is smooth and moderately carbonated. Overall a great style example, hitting all the notes I look for and love in dark lagers.

12oz can
L: brown body with some amber hues; frothy beige head holds good retention
S: toasted grain, bread crust, earthy hops
T: follows nose: toasty grain, caramel, bread crust, earthy hops with a bit of spice
F: medium body, moderate carbonation, semi-dry finish
O: flavorful dark lager

On tap at Milwaukee Burger Company. Dark red/brown color. Medium foam Tastes of malt and biscuit Very similar to bock and brown ale Light bitterness on the aftertaste. Nothing special

Pours out of the can a deep brown, slightly crimson in the light. Initial rough pour yields a finger of head that dissipates within a minute with decent lacing. Smells like toasty malts with a bit of bready notes as well. Taste follows the nose fairly well, with a robust mouthfeel and good carbonation. A super solid beer.