Day 12 of the Advent-ure Calendar

Day 12: Long Trail Brew Co. Sick Day

“A hoppy brown ale that’s built for winter’s deepest days” according to Long Trail’s website.  This is the first “hoppy brown ale” we’re trying from this calendar so as always, we’re excited to try something new.

REFLECTIONS

Beard & Broad
Beard: Generally not a fan of brown ales but this isn’t bad. It’s probably because all the hops cover up the lackluster malt character I normally associate with Browns. I got through it, but wouldn’t order this at a bar or purchase it again. So as a brown ale, ok. As a beer, mediocre. As a Christmas beer, not the best.

Broad: I’ll be honest, I do not like most Brown ales but the beer’s description says “hoppy brown ale”  so I was intriguied. Its hoppy but not bitter. It still tastes like a brown ale so I’m not a huge fan. There isn’t a lot going on with these beer. I expected something more interesting I wouldn’t want to drink a lot of these.

Adam & Alex
Adam: Too hoppy to me. Tastes like a Christmas tree but not in a good way. Lotta sap. Little full. Lotta sap.

Alex: It tastes like a smoky Christmas tree with all the hops.

Mez & Sam
Mez: I’m a fan but that’s typically the case when hoppiness is designed to take over. I agree with others that the brown ale portion isn’t great, but I get behind the flavor when hops take over. Middle of the road for me, but wouldn’t mind a second.

Sam: Its a no go for me. Too bitter. But I can taste some of the malt at the finish and I liked that.