Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree Tapping at Fiddler's Hearth

Come one, come all for a chance to drink a very enjoyable brew on tap, Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree, at Fiddler's Hearth in South Bend tomorrow (5/4). DCT (Double IPA, 13.6%) has been tough to come by in this area lately, although I hear it's recently become available at South Bend area bottle shops.

Get some before it runs out!

Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree Sighting

For those of you that have been jonesin' for some Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA, it is currently available at the Liquor Cabinet on Hilltop in Saint Joseph, MI. While I was there, about 8 four-packs were on the shelves (four warm, four cold), and I grabbed one, so they are down to 7. This is extremely difficult to find in the Michiana area (South Bend, Elkhart, Mishawaka), and was assumed to be sold-out everywhere. If you haven't tried Double Crooked Tree, it very high ABV (13 and change) double IPA that has a great hop profile and balanced extremely well with malt. This brew goes down way too smoothly, so handle with care.

This was my first time at the Liquor Cabinet and I will be doing a full write-up about it. Tons of great Michigan beer that I can't find in my area, I even found some Founders Devil Dancer in stock!

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

Michiana Beer Nuts Anniversary Party

Come one, come all to the Michiana Beer Nuts 2nd Anniversary Part at The Constant Spring in Goshen, IN on March 3rd.

Michiana Beer Nuts is run by a fellow blogger (only much more experienced and with a bigger following) by the name of Eric Strader.  Eric has been running Michiana Beer Nuts under the auspices of the Elkhart Truth for two years now, and for such a tremendous milestone, a special party is being thrown at The Constant Spring.  As you may know, I don't need a lot of arm-twisting to go a party, however hearing that Dark Horse Brewing Company will be on tap makes this all the more enticing.  From what I understand, the lineup from Dark Horse includes Crooked Tree (IPA, 6%), either Too Cream Stout (Milk Stout, 8%) or Tres Blueberry Stout (American Stout, 4.5%), and possibly some Scotty Karate (Scotch Ale, 9.75%).

Assuming I can get out of the house for a few hours, I will certainly be there.

Andy
andy@thebeerisgood.com