Late May 2006 growler consumed on 4/15/06 with SuIIy
Deep copper-auburn with rusted iron tinges in the center. Surprisingly vibrant on the red hues in this one, I was expecting more of a straightforward amber. Dense, beige head sits atop the body with the usual strong retention from this brewery. Slight chill haze, enough to show that it’s not filtered, but that the sediment has dropped. No visible carbonation in the body creates a glassy, mirror-like appearance that looks quite stunning in conjunction with the clarity and fiery orange and red tones. Lacing is blotchy, due in part to it being from a growler and being low gravity and an attenuated lager style.
Spicy tettnangs or some similar hybrid (most likely crystal) pepper the nose while doughy yeast fills out the sides. Caramel and toasty malts provide light dryness, but some round fruitiness seems a bit out of place (currants, dry plums and apples). Perhaps a bit too heavy on the doughiness, as it wears on, but that could just be the live yeast at work.
Dry peaches and white pepper emanate from the robust, husky and rich vienna malts. Ends very drily on a nectarine-orange rind note. Husky, but essential vienna malts are almost lost in the sweet caramunich-like maltiness that grows in appearance as the beer warms. Light melanoidin-like acidity is present, bringing another layer of complexity. Yeast is moderately crisp, but perhaps a little bullied by the caramel-toffee stickiness. Some light oiliness and stickiness, little to no wateriness and a full, round mouthfeel, with appropriate carbonation and attenuation levels. No alcohol.