B.T.S.A.S.B.
Atomic Ale Brewpub And Eatery

Only these six letters were written on the menu board: B.T.S.A.S.B. Translation: “Back To School Atomic Special Bitter.” Though both the name and its acronym are rather clumsy, I was initially optimistic by the dense bone-white film of head and the eager-to-cling lace that formed on the glass. My first two Atomic beers were suds-deficient and lifeless. Perhaps this would be better.

Well, in terms of suds, yes, this was an improvement. But flavor-wise it was a turn for the worse. In fact, B.T.S.A.S.B. is just plain weird. I noted no apparent flawed brewing issues – no spoilage, no fusels, no medicinal mayhem. It’s the recipe itself that sends me running for the hills. The main culprit would seem to be the hops, which contribute a taste like Ceylon tea or wet tobacco. The body is clear but unfiltered common amber, but the flavor is simply too queer and challenging to drink.