It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to drop by to see my friends at Four Horsemen Brewing, but yesterday was a perfect day for getting out, drinking down and chatting up.So I've been hearing a lot about their "Winter Warmer" Wintertime Comfort and just had to give it a try. Wintertime Comfort (Strong Ale, 9.7%) is all spiced up with ginger, slightly boozy and described as "liquid gingerbread," which I certainly agree with. Originally brewed for the Indy Winterfest, they decided it would be nice to share in their taproom, and I'm glad they did. This was definitely my favorite beer they've brewed so far, and I applaud the fact that it comes in a pint glass, instead of a snifter.
While there I had a chance to hang out with Stephen Foster, Brewing wizard in charge of crafting their lineup, which is always a good time. He brought over samples of the Blonde and Pale, which he had tweaked the water on to give both a more flavorful experience. They say blondes have more fun, and that is definitely the case with FHBC's, as they have done a nice job of hopping it up. Although I typically reach for more hoppy versions of Pale Ales (Zombie Dust, Daisy Cutter, etc), I did enjoy the latest iteration of their Pale, due to it's crisp and refreshing qualities. Bottom line, they are doing their best to bridge the gap between Beer Geeks and the average drinker... so if it has been a while since you've stopped by, I think you'll find there is something for everyone's taste.
Another reason I wanted to stop by was based on their new 90-something IBU IPA they have been working on; Hop Rush. Come to find out, this must be a fairly popular new beer, as by the time I arrived, all they could eek out was an ounce or two of foam. Although it's hard to get a complete picture of a beer based on such a small amount, it did have a great citrusy hop aroma and taste. This small amount was enough to catch my interest though, and I'm looking forward to a much larger pour next time.
Thanks again to Stephen and Four Horsemen for their hospitality, I always have a great time visiting.
A very tastey beverage that washed my Big Kahoona Burger down real nice
ReplyDeleteUncle Monty's Big Kahoona Burger also tasted much better with the Blond!
ReplyDeleteWere the new beers littered with the same butterscotch aroma and flavor that every other beer has? -typically found in beer that is under fermented or rushed through the fermentation process
ReplyDeleteI vowed not to return until May. I hope by then they get things figured out and the owner(s) figure out it's about beer, not the money. I know Stephen can turn out quality beer...let him do his thing.
I am really excited about a brewery in South Bend. I live 5 min from the brewery but would rather drive an hour to other breweries for far superior beers. That is sad.
Let's get it together, Four Horseman. Beer geeks alike are watching.
I had a Pale Ale pint down at Fiddlers and it was very good. Completely different than what I had heard previously. I am a fan of that Pale Ale....
ReplyDeleteI find that the comment above about their Master Brewer is interesting?? How would someone that is not an employee know the inner workings of this brewery. I know the owners of FHBC very well and it is not about money! They sold their distributor over 2 years ago and made out very well. They did't have to start a brewery at all!! They have a passion for beer and the beer business that you would not believe!! That is why they started this whole venture! Plus they want to have a business to pass on to their children years down the road. Building a business takes time, blood, sweat, and tears and these guys are all about that...hard workers!! You obviously know nothing about FHBC or what it takes to start a brewery their size from scratch. It is so easy to sit at a computer and talk negatively about anything! Give these guys a break and support them instead of hating on them!!! They have continuously made changes/improvements to their beers and they are turning out great!! I raise a beer to these guys they have overcome a lot of challenges in the last year!!! Cheers to them!!
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