Once again, I’m back at Fat Jack’s in Bloomington, Illinois for our monthly steering meeting for the ABNormal Brewers. It’s getting a bit chilly outside, so I thought I’d go for something a bit hearty. Unfortunately, they had just run out of the Founders Breakfast Stout, so I thought I’d try this one.
Location: Enjoyed a pint glass, at Fat Jack’s in Bloomington, IL.
Numbers:5% ABV, 13º PLATO, 34 IBU’s, 77 AA, 3.2º Lovibond, ~ 172 Calories
Ingredients: Harrington, Klages, Brown, Carastan 13/17, Crystal 70/80, Crystal 135/165, Beeston Pale Chocolate & Rogue Micro Barley Farm Dare™ malts; Saaz and Rogue Micro Hopyard Revolution Hops; Hazelnut Extract, Free Range Coastal Water & Top Fermenting Pacman Yeast.
Appearance & Aroma: It appeared to be pretty clear with some ruby colors noticeable when held up to the light. There was absolutely no head, only a thin ring of bubbles around the edge of the glass. There was a very light caramel aroma.
Taste & Feel: The body was very light and smooth, almost watery. Up front, it had a light caramel sweetness, followed by slightly more caramel sweetness and a hint of hazelnut nuttiness. It finished with punch of dry bitterness, which it was hard to tell if it was coming from the malts or hops.
Food Pairing: Since this was fairly watery, and the flavors so subtle, it would go with almost anything. I would probably pair it with a hearty, flavorful meal – like shepards pie or BBQ ribs – and use this to wash it down.
Overall Impression: I enjoy the taste of hazelnut in my coffee, and it sounded appealing in a brown ale… especially after enjoying the use of pecans in Lazy Magnolia’s Southern Pecan Nut Brown. However, I did not enjoy this beer. The body and feel was very watery, and the flavors were pretty subtle. In fact, it wasn’t until I looked this beer up later that I discovered it was supposedly aged in rum barrels. I never would have guessed given the lack of flavor and life in this beer. I normally enjoy Rogue beers, but this one was not good.
My Rating: 
December 8, 2011
With beers like this, age can make a huge difference. I’ve noticed with
SA octoberfest that as it stales/ages it doesn’t taste stale, but more
Watery and looses much of the spice and adjunct flavors. You might
Want to try and find a bottle that’s still young.