Brew Moon Big Bad Brown Ale

Sampled at the brewpub in Honolulu, to rinse away the dust etc of flying all day Sunday.

Stopped in just for a quick pint or two, to see what was new/different at a place I tend to have a love/hate relationship with. Love? The service is generally spot-on. Hate? Any beer place that transforms into a nightclub once the sun goes down is never going to win me over!

But anyway, had a pint of this rotating offering, and to be honest, didn't expect a whole lot. But while most Brew Moon beers are in the C to B+ range, have to say that this one made me sit up a bit straighter, and encouraged me to take a closer look.

Standard Brown Ale 101 appearance and aroma -- no frills, no chills, no surprises there. But the flavor profile, on the other hand.... Immediately reminded me of one of my favorite American Brown Ales -- the Lost Coast Downtown Brown Ale. Nicely balanced, with the not unsubstantial malt bill playing off nicely with the hop profile -- all in the front of the boil, as far as I can tell, which is surely fine for this style. Lots of chocolate and some bready notes in the malt -- and nicely wrapped up in one package.

A pint that went down nice and easy, and I would have stayed a bit longer for another round, except I was dying of hunger (and Brew Moon's food prices don't agree with my paycheck).

But while most of the Brew Moon beers tend to be marginal at best, this is one that can truly stand up and can be counted for a worthwhile pint or three....
//TB