Grope The Creature
Against The Grain Brewery

 

A: Pours a dark, clear gold with a fizzy, thin white mousse. I've had this on-tap and out of the growler, and it seems that head retention is lacking from the growler (perhaps the lid was not tight enough).

S: Aromas of grain and woodsmoke are immediately apparent on the nose. As the beer warms and settles, scents of brown butter, roasted nuts, toffee, and heavy cream become apparent. As expected with any mild, hop aromas are not apparent.

T: Notes of roasted grain, woodsmoke, brown butter, brown sugar, caramel, toffee, dark bread, biscuits, roasted chestnuts, and oddly enough, sweet potato are present on the palate. The finish is smooth, gentle, and very straight-forward with a combination of woodsmoke, grain, roasted nut, brown butter, and caramel flavors.

M: Light-bodied, firm, and dry, but with a little heft. Carbonation is discreet and gentle. A great quaffing beer for summer evenings.

O: English pale mild ales are few and far between, but this one is very solid. If you're a fan of smoked ales and have been looking for one that is sessionable, you'll likely be happy with this brew.