Wing Nut Ale
Elm City Brewing Co.

Had this one on-tap 4/21/07

This is one of my favorite brews so far from Brewer Bill Dunn. This one is a bright brown-amber color with a thin, scattered head that dissipates rather slowly and became just a minor cap.

The nose was a big sweet malt scent that seemed a bit stronger than usual...and especially for the stlye.

I was kinda blown away by the complexity of the malt flavor here, not to sweet but just right, very hearty, very smooth and buttery overall with a subtle herbal and slightly spicey hop finish.

The body is medium but feels smooth and substantial and rather hefty for it's kind.

the drinkability is very high due to the fact i simply could not get enough of this brew. it's an excellent session beer.

I put this in the experimental category since they term it an Oktoberfest on their bier-menu, yet they use an ale yeast to ferment it. (Todd, place it where you see fit, Danke). Color was a light copper, perhaps a touch golden. Had a decent white, creamy head which lasted throughout, and excellent lace-work. Mild, bready-malt nose (too mild, even..). Could use a bit more body, and fairly smooth going down. Not your typical Oktoberfest flavors here... Had some biscuity malt touches, along with a mild nuttiness. There were more hops present near the end than you'd expect, along with some surprizing fruity notes (is that the ale yeast doing that?). It was a pleasant bier, just not what I've come to expect from an Oktoberfest.

Note: At time of sampling in 2002, this was called "Wing Nut Oktoberfest". Elm City later came out with an Oktoberfest Lager, and Wing Nut stuck around as an amber ale.... Bierman9/26FEB06.

overall: 3.75
appearance: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | mouthfeel: 3.5 | drinkability: 4

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