Brewery: Bare Hands Brewery
Package: Draft - 12oz Snifter
ABV: 9%
Location: Bare Hands Tasting Room (Granger, IN)
Aroma: Coffee, dark chocolate and roasted malt with citrus and floral hops on the back end that plays together well.
Appearance: Rich mahogany highlights and darker toward the center with a tan frothy foam head that leaves spots of lace clinging to the glass.
Taste: A hoppy smack to the face, balanced out with a delicious roasted malt flavor. Grassy, earthy hops hinting throughout. A mild bitter finish rounds out the experience.
Mouthfeel: Medium mouth feel, coats well with mild carbonation.
Overall: A very delicious brew with a huge flavor profile that blends a rich, roasted side with a floral, citrusy hop side. This could pass as a Black IPA, but whatever it is, Bare Hands created yet another terrific beer.
Notes: This is a beer I sampled at Zoo Brew last September. Although I'm sure it's very similar to the previous version, Chris undoubtedly tinkered with it. I'm not entirely sure how he comes up with his recipes, and I don't care.. they are pretty damn good!
Grade: A-
I stopped in for a flight of all 7 beers on tap the other night and the imperial porter was my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI think Chris's personal genius is that no matter what beer he makes, he not only captures the style perfectly, but he spins it just enough to make it his own. For example, his Poblano Russian Imperial Stout was not only a phenomenal stout, but he was able to grab both the heat and the skin taste of the poblano and infuse it in a way that did not intrude on the "russian-ness" of the stout.
ReplyDeleteI had a chance to try the porter on Saturday afternoon. Incredibly drinkable for the ABV, and one I hope I get the chance to stumble upon again soon.
Bare Hands is seriously on to something. The quality, creativity, and technical expertise are there. The atmosphere was pretty fun when I stopped by, too. I think they're in for a big year. Can't wait to swing back by soon.
ReplyDelete+1 for the imperial porter. I could have drank that all day.
ReplyDeleteI hope Bare Hands is ready for a new building. I think he will grow faster than he can produce, once the word is out.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good thing!