Olde #8 Anniversary Ale

Pint on draught at the brewpub, 8/19/2005 with Eyedrinkale. Red colored, hazy and has a burnished copper tint to it, rather looks like a red ipa. Head is small, retained barely at a thin film and there is little lacing. Aroma of white and black pepper, leafy, dry hops, not terribly fresh smelling, just sort of peppery and bitter. Some fruitiness, light oranges and limes. Little malt to speak of in the nose, passing buttercream and a light, fresh yeastiness confirms that it is fresh, despite the less than exciting hops. Flavor is very one-sided, boring, astringent hops bitterness, quite citric, with very little hops flavor. Light caramel malt is barely noticeable, but yet there is a decent chewy texture; it’s not watery or anything. Burny and fuelic on the finish, the lack of malt really comes alive. Almost thought it was brewed with rye, it was so damned dry and astringent and sort of nutty-chewy. Still, a good mouthfeel on a beer can satisfy me partially, even if the flavors are not really that exciting. Dosent cut it for the style, but then, I’m not convinced that this was brewed to any particular style.