Ashley's in Ann Arbor - Greenbush Tap Takeover

I've got a table in the far back right...last table. If you want to join me, feel free (I'm on my computer). Here's the list:

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"Anger," the Black IPA:

A: Pours a very dark brown with little to no lacing on my glass. However, the waitress filled my pint up to the brim (thank you!), so it may have had some at one point. It's definitely not very sticky, which concerns me that it may be a bit "watery," but we shall see.

S: Suprised. I smell a lot more hops than any roasted malts, which is not typically of many other Black IPAs that I've had. In fact, I don't smell anything else other than the hops. I believe the hops are Columbus...the smell reminds me of a beer I brewed using Columbus hops...I could be wrong on this though. Anyway, I'm partial to a strong hop presence over roasted malts in my IPAs, so I'm excited about this one.

T: You actually can taste the roasted malts in the initial drink, however, the strong hop profile takes over from there. I really like the taste of this beer...At first, I thought the hop profile faded too quickly, but now that I've drank 1/2 of it, that taste is just sticking around...which I'm pretty happy about. However, I do warn people who usually like this style because of the Roasted Malts, that you will probably be disappointed, as that is not where this beer shines. The roasted malts are a nice addition to a beer that shines in other ways that I just discussed.

M: Mid-light body for the style. It wasn't as watery as it looked, thank goodness. It has a dryer finish (thank you cotton-mouth hops!) that makes you want to drink more.

O: I want to say that this is my favorite Black IPA that I've had. Although, I really liked Stone's as well. I'd have to try them side by side to compare. If you prefer a hops-forward profile over roasted malts in your Black IPAs, then you'll enjoy ANGER. I do, so this beer is solid in my opinion. Well done Greenbush! -rated it a 4.38/5.

 

"Rage," The Imperial Black IPA:

A: Looks thick, especially if we put it in the Black IPA category. However, this is 14.6%, yes you read that correctly 14.6% ABV. It's dark, like really dark. Great finger-lacing, most I've maybe ever seen for this style.

S: You can smell a strong hop profile, much like the ANGER, but there's a sweetness to it...very interesting, but It works.

T: Sweet. Its got some hoppy goodness in it as well, much like the ANGER, but it's muted by the sweetness. The ANGER ended pretty dry while this one ends fairly sweet. The roasted malts are definitely more present in this than it's younger brother. This could be a super-dangerous beer, because I don't really feel that it's all that boozy (so beware!). I do feel like the hop profile is off in this one. Again, I'm more of a hop-head, especially in my IPAs, then a roasted malt/sweetness guy. It disappoints in this area for me, but may not for others.

M: Thick, for an IPA, but it is 14.6%, so yeah... The flavors just stick on your tongue like molasses. It's sticky like a medium stout would be. The flavor stays with you, so be prepared.

O - I'm really confused by this beer, even though I think it compares more with the Stone Black IPA than the Anger does. It's really good, but I'm not sure what category it fits in. I think Greenbush may have created a beer that belongs in a limited category...If you like Black IPAs, it's a must try. Greenbush is really surprising me. I honestly have no idea how to rate this one, since I'm not sure what style and how many of it I've actually had, but it ended up a 3.9/5.

 

I saw that you couldn't make the tasting either. PM me if/when your in AA next week and lets grab a brew.

 

Day #2, all are still here except Sunspot & Dunegras.

 

Not going to do a full review, but I'm a big fan of the "Isole." It's a nice sweet Dubbel, a little flowery, but I'm cool with that.

 

Also, I just blew the keg of ANGER...which coincidentally, makes me a bit angry.

 

Had the Terminator X American Strong...It was really well done, light for the style, but good. Probably the most drinkable Strong Ale I've had in awhile.

 

I did get a taster of the Mr. Hyde...it's definitely a solid coffee stout. Pretty forward coffee. I would have gotten a glass, but I stop drinking stouts when it hits 100 degrees outside.

 

Well, if you're going to Ashley's, they are sadly out of Anger which I'd highly recommend. However, depending on what you like, I find them all to be rather tasty. It may be a little warm for the Rage or the Terminator X, but those were great. If you like Dubbels, try the Isole.

If you're actually going to Greenbush's pub in Sawyer...try Anger or Dunegras.

 

Oh, I enjoyed it (3.9/5 ain't bad), but it just really confused me as to what category/style to put it in. I think @MacJenkins is right in that they don't seem to care about their beers fitting into a category, which I'm fine with, I'm just not sure how to compare them though. Overall, every Greenbush beer I had was great...really excited about the future of this brewery.

 

I'm not a huge fan of the style, but on a 100+ degree day I was planning on trying both of these beers. Sadly, they were all out. I did get a free 1/2 glass of Anger after blowing the keg (highlight of week I suppose).