Twist Of Fate Bitter Ale
Moonlight Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On cask at Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol, CA

 

This strong bitter takes the more traditional route of the bitter ale with a soft hop presence, a pleasant fruity and diacetyl combo, and easy drinkability. It's great to find an American made bitter which takes the traditional route.

 

 

Sample via a sixteen-ounce pour off the hand-pump at Toronado.

This is a very nice bitter, obviously leaning taste-wise towards the ESB range, but possessing an extraordinarily—and surprisingly pleasing—thinness of texture. A very dark brown, with red tinting backed by light, belies the lack of sweetness or malt flavor. Only on the nose does one detect a hint of grain, but even then the odor is primarily vegetal bitterness. A very good ale for a dingy, dark pub—though perhaps better suited to colder weather than the climate San Francisco usually affords.

 

 

 

 

On tap at Flavor bistro in Santa Rosa and served in a Moonlight brewing pint glass (which are really nice). Dark amber color, massive amazing head, it looks great and I usually don't weight much based on appearance (unless it looks like shit). Aroma was really nice and mild maltiness. Flavor was great, you don't find many delicious American bitters. This was bitter, sort of nougat and caramel, well balanced and just delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Cask at Toronado in San Francisco, CA.

Raul's last brew for the night and he couldn't have thought of a better ending. Like The Disneyland fireworks that he hears from his pad every night, this dang sucker was just popping and blowing up at every chance it got. I mean, this sucker has it going on on all levels. It's smooth, it has a bite, there's some roast, but there is also this delicate caramel aftertaste... Like the plot of "The Big Sleep," there is so much going on, but in the end, it basically smooths out to almost perfection.

Don't just feel it, my children. Respect it. Respect it with your glorious little hearts.

Twist of Fate pours an amber caramel color with great foam. There’s a subdued but well-defined malty caramel aroma. I get a taste of caramel and a light, sharp roast as I taste it, with a sweetish finish. I love Moonlight brews. This is another winner.

 

 

 

 

 

On cask at the SF Toronado.

Pulls a bright and clear amber color with a pretty sizable off white head. Looks inviting.

Aromas are muted, but pleasant. Notes of earthy hops and slightly sweet brewed tea.

Taste is like the nose. A bit hoppier than expected though. Starts of with light creamy caramel sweetness, then settles into some slightly spicy brewed tea flavors. Finish has a nice hop bite, mostly an earthy and somewhat resiny quality.

Mouthfeel is full, without being heavy at all.

A bit strong for a traditional bitter, but this is really flavorful, and very satisfying to drink. Yet another winner from Moonlight.

 

 

 

This beer could easily become one of my favorites. Hade it on tap at beer revolution and it was exactly what I was looking for. Hoppy red beer with some bite. kind of kicks your ass in the beautiful way where it lasts for some time. Really glad it was recommended to me

 

It's interesting to me that this is more "abrasive" to me than the Bombay by Boat IPA. I suppose by that I mean more boisterous. Nice oily flavors to it. And I think I'll leave it at that. A well made beer. Intense on appropriate levels, but not really trying to be obnoxious. Another good one by Moonlight. An awesome brewery...apparently.