Decided to go to The Happy Gnome last night for Rose de Grambrinus and to sample the newer MN Craft Brews that I've yet to try. I decided to stick with the sessionable beers for the night so for anyone who hasn't had these, here are some brief descriptions on the ones I tried. This is all based on my memory from last night
Cantillon: Rose de Gambrinus (Lambic)
I haven't had a ton of lambics before or any Cantillon for that matter. Blood red color, very tart to the point your mouth puckers, almost a pleasant vinegar bite with a hint sweetness in the background.
Badger Hill: Minnesota Special Bitter (ESB)
Going into the night I never would have thought an ESB would come out being my favorite. This had a fantastic peanut butter malt like flavor with just enough of a woody hop bitterness to balance out the sweetness. I could probably drink these all night.
Indeed Brewing: Midnight Ryder (American Black Ale)
A well balanced and restrained blend of 6 american hops, caramel, chocolate and a hint of roast. I was a little hesistant about trying this and fully expected to get a roasty burnt coffee IPA-esque trainwreck of a beer. This was very much the opposite. I'm not sure all 6 hop varieties were noticeable or necessary but this is one of the few beers I've had where the pine and citrus flavors seem to work well with the dark malts. Not my favorite but I wouldn't turn down a pint.
3rd Street Brewhouse: Top of the Crop Cream Ale
This was a dry and crisp beer with a little bit of fruitiness from the yeast. The menu made a comparison to New Glarus' Spotted Cow. I would say the Spotted Cow had a creamier and sweeter mouthfeel to it. Not a bad beer but nothing too exciting, very easy to drink.
Lift Bridge Brewing: Pathway Pils
I was hoping for a Czech Pils but this happened to be a German Pils. Very well made, a slight minerally flavor with an earthy hop flavor. Very dry and refreshingly bitter. I almost want to make a comparison to Victory's Prima Pils.
