Brau Brothers Rainwater Stout

January 23rd, 2010 beckel

Today I have the newest special release from our very own Brau Brothers Brewing out of the very small town of Lucan, Minnesota. The brothers Brau make a number of delicious brews so if you are unfamiliar I would highly suggest one of their mixed 12-packs which can be purchased at many local retailers for a reasonable sum and are a wonderful introduction to their products. Rainwater Stout was brewed late this summer with some local hops and aged in Madeira Oak for a number of months. Additionally it is the first time they have bottled in 750ml bottles. Brau Brothers are calling this a Very Special Old Dark, or VSOD but who cares about titles, lets see how it tastes! Pours a very dark black hue that is almost completely opaque with only a little bit of light shining through the very rim of the surface. Head is a tight two fingers and of a light creme chocolate color that lasts for a few minutes leaving only a very small ring around the glass indefinitely. Smells strongly of roasted malts, coffee, chocolate,pitted fruit and even gentle nutty esters are present as well as a modest dose of alcohol. Quite nice. Flavor is of a variety of fruits, gentle coffee, roasted malt, caramel, and slightly tangy, almost sour esters. Body is very light and the mouthfeel is quite thin but nicely smooth. While oak aging most likely has contributed to reducing the obviousness of the alcohol in this almost 10% ABV brew I am still trying to determine what else it has influenced other than a very gentle oak character. A nicely roasted Imperial Stout with a very unique flavor profile. A bit less complex and lighter bodied than I expected but unquestionably unique and tasty. If you enjoy unique easy drinking strong stouts and roasted malts this might just be the brew for you. With all of the delicious ales that Brau Brothers have produced I can’t wait to see more experimentation. Give it a shot and ride your bike.

Brau Brothers Rainwater Stout

Brau Brothers Ring Neck Braun Ale

November 24th, 2008 beckel

Today we have a lovely craft brew from the fine folk of Brau Brothers Brewing Company from the small town of Lucan (Population 220) in the wonderful state of Minnesota. Brau Brothers is an up and coming brewery that has started widening their distribution and can now be found at a number of bars and liquor stores in the metro area and beyond. I managed to sample a few of their brews at the Autumn Brew Review but have yet to have the opportunity to give one a proper review. So when I saw a 6-pack of Ring Neck Braun Ale, their first single batch series ale (868 cases and 32 kegs produced), I couldn’t pass it up. This Nut Brown Ale pours a nice roasted brown color that allows varying shades of brown, black and red through when brought to the light. Head is under two inches and fades quite rapidly, leaving a thin light tan layer of froth that remains throughout consumption. Smells of well roasted malts, subtle nuttiness, and gentle hints of creamy fruit. The flavor of this ale is very smooth and creamy, roasted malts are dominate, complimented by a subtle nutty flavor you expect from an ale of this style as well as a subtle fruit hint that reminds me of peach and raspberries. The aroma of this beer does wonders, bringing out the somewhat sweet and smooth flavors of this ale immensely. Brau Brothers call this beer a Double Nut Brown Ale because of its 7% ABV but you likely won’t notice it’s content until you’ve had a few. The mouthfeel of this beer is creamy but the body is reasonably light and quite drinkable. Definitely not your average Nut Brown Ale, but a wonderful creative creation. If you are a fan of dark ales, particularly a nice unique milk stout you will likely fancy this ale, as will those who appreciate brown ales that don’t quite fit the mold. A good drink in any situation and a wonderful treat for those who appreciate quality craft beer. Give it a shot and ride your bike.

Brau Brothers Ring Neck Braun Ale