Bloom
Forest & Main - The Brewery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest & Main "Bloom"
Cask via hand pump for $6 @ The Iron Abbey, Horsham PA

Appearance: Very hazy, basically almost cloudy. Golden body with an amber edge. A properly done cask would be clearer but there's no way to tell if the beer started out that way or if it just wasn't cared for properly at the bar. Given that I received a short "pint" of about 10 to 12 ounces I'm inclined to go with the bar as being at fault that's no way to serve a beer. Beyond that the large head that must have been there was gone before it arrived at the table. This I have to give to the bar as a beer should never be brought to a customer without a head. Whether the server left it too long at the bar or not doesn't matter, the bar was not busy at all and the bartender should have kept an eye on it and topped it off. Also, a possible dirty glass may have been involved - I have no idea, and therefore I have no choice but to give Forest & Main good numbers for appearance in this case.

Smell: Hoppy & malty. Floral and grassy/grainy. Some light fruit. Well balanced, and welcoming.

Taste: As the aroma suggests, with a nice balance of malt, hop, and yeast character to come through in equal parts. Balanced and refreshing, as a bitter should be. Too many American breweries over-do it in one way or the other, but English ales are really about balance. There's enough flavor there that you're satisfied, yet it's also just enough that you're compelled to go back for more - essentially, quite drinkable. Firm bitterness. Dry finish with some hop flavor followed by residual lingering malt. I had this with an order of Fish & Chips and felt it was a great pairing, giving me enough 'bite' to cut through the oil, but not so much bitterness or malt that it overpowered the actual fish flavor beneath.

Mouthfeel: The carbonation felt a bit too soft even for cask, but again, it's hard to say where fault lies as the barkeep was apparently not up to snuff all-around. Given that there must have been a massive head atop it before it fell, I'm guessing that the pint was poured quickly and aggressively, building a massive head of froth - neither of which you want in delivering a proper cask ale. The beer is about balance, and the pour should be about balance... moderation in everything (except for Imperial IPAs!!!)

Overall: Given the inept bar service the only things that I can truly rate this beer on are flavor and aroma. It's a mild beer with a floral character and I got that. I also didn't find it in anyway lacking or thin, as some bitters can be, nor over the top. I found no defects to the beer itself; and thought it was quite well-balanced. Very nicely done!