Single
More Brewing Co.

8/23/24 - (Can - Home) (Chicago, IL) Can Notes: Purchased at store temperature on May 30, 2024 at Beer on the Wall Park Ridge for $3.41 including tax. 16 oz with no canned date, distributed to Beer on the Wall the week ended 5/24/24. Belgian Style Single Ale, 5.0% ABV. Brewed & Packaged by More Brewing Company - Huntley, Illinois and Villa Park, Illinois.

Appearance: Poured 2/3 of the can into a tall tulip glass, yielding a crystal clear golden yellow base with heavy sustained carbonation and a creamy bright thick white head which lingers for a few minutes before leaving a few lacing clumps and creamy but thin cover over the entire base. Looks really good. 4.5

Aroma: Heavy Belgian yeast as suspected, banana, clove and bubble gum with light to mild funk, wet wool horse blanket. Strong in strength and enjoyment. 4.25

Taste: Lots of bitter hops, though consistent with style to a point. Heavy lemon citrus lead, bubble gum yeast still there though much more subdued. Nose tricked expectations, enjoying, but rather have the full aroma with the taste. 3.75

Mouthfeel: Light and easy alcohol wise, below the listed abv. Light crisp body, sustained gentle to lightly fizzing carbonation. Bitter overall, sweet flavors more than contained with the hop bitterness. Lemon bubblegum finish. 4.0

Overall: This is brewed to style, though hops a bit more impactful for bitterness and flavor than expected. Would love to know the hop profile. Overall, this is hitting the spot, and would pick up more down the line and recommend for those looking for a Blonde Ale with a solid hop kick. 4.0

Bought at Binny's as part of their Pick 4 Pack of premium craft beers. I'd have this again. But I also don't have a strong urge to repeat. Single gets pretty close to the monk-ish yeast and makes a good enough table ale... but there are those lingering hops that make me think More is thinking about the AIPA segment where, it seems, half of their offerings are headed for.

Single has a good head on this dishwater blonde; but the yeast could show a longer life. Smells are a full medley of 3 season fruits with hops only in the back nose. Tastes are balanced, until the hops assert themselves unnecessarily in the finish. Refreshing, but I was thirsty.

Overall, I want to like More. In 8 years, they've grown to three shops. Their classic business plan works that caters to the American palate. But, I'm a Belgo-phile. Four of the 5 ales I've had from More were Belgian inspired. And none were a Wow. But More is spreading brewing culture throughout Chicagoland and that is worth some Overall Hugs.