A Dark Horse Experience

Recently I paid a visit to Constant Spring in Goshen to celebrate Michiana Beer Nut's success and longevity with beer blogging for the Elkhart Truth, but just as important was the opportunity to taste a few of Dark Horse Brewery's offerings.

Dark Horse is yet another really great brewery in the state of Michigan.  Their lineup consists of over a dozen different beers such as IPAs, scotch ales, brown ales and a entire series of stouts that were featured in Draft Magazine.  I had the opportunity to sample four overall, some of which you can find around here and some that will give you a good reason to travel to their brewpub in Marshall.

4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale is a seasonal brew that is only available for purchase at their pub, but Dark Horse was kind enough to bring a few bottles to be shared among a some of the beer enthusiasts.  This holiday ale pours dark leathery brown with a creamy tan head.  Definitely fitting the whole winter/keep warm category, it features a big, spicy flavor and obvious alcohol warmth.  Although a few months late, this certainly reminds me of Christmas, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and gingerbread.  At 11.5% ABV, there is little need to lounge by the fire to keep warm.

Double Crooked Tree was another robust beer full caramel, pine, citrus and fruit flavor.  The appearance consists of a dark amber color with a light off-white head that dissipates quickly.  Similar characteristics to Barleywine, this was another heavy hitter.  I enjoyed this Double IPA very much, and only after I finished my small glass did I realize it clocks in at over 12%.  When it comes to this type of ale, sampling just a few ounces at a time is a great way to enjoy a variety of beer without overdoing it.

After starting my out evening with some really great craft beer that I haven't tried before, it was time to switch pace a bit and enjoy the Dark Horse IPA that was on tap.  Crooked Tree is like Double Crooked Tree's little brother, half of everything.  Half the hops, half the malt, and not nearly as powerful.  This is a great looking beer, pouring an orange/copper color and white head.  There is much to enjoy about this smooth IPA, with a very flavorful citrus taste and very slight sweet malt.  I am definitely looking forward to having this one again.

Last up for the night was a snifter of Scotty Karate scotch ale.  Considerably different than the previous three I tried, this is a very sweet and rich beer.  Not normally my favorite style, Dark Horse did a great job with this by making the caramel and toffee really pop.  The alcohol is certainly easy to spot at nearly 10%, but it wasn't over-powering.  Not something I would want often, but a very enjoyable beverage and great way to cap off the night.

With the exception of 4 Elf, I've seen all of these available in bottles in the South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart area at one point or another.  Dark Horse makes some very solid beer, and for that reason, I will be traveling up to Marshall for another round.  Look for my post in the coming weeks!

-Andy