Hmmmm, it seems to me that I need to read labels better. I pulled this brew out of the fridge on the grounds that it is a cold grey rainy day, and a nice Scottish Old Ale would do the trick nicely. Hmmmmm, except it’s an old style lager. Like, it says right on the label “Pre-Prohibition Style Lager”. LAGER. Oops. Oh well, I like Grand River, so here’s hoping.
Galt Knife Old Style - Grand River Brewing
Poured from a 500ml bottle with a bottled-on date stamped on the label. The beer is clear copper with a very active carbonation. There is a generous head, that dissipated quickly to a small ring. Aroma is totally biscuits. Like, specifically McVittie’s Digestives. There’s a carmelly note too, and perhaps a hint of hops. Taste is again biscuity, but with much more hops. Dry and bitter, the hops are earthy and nice. The biscuits and hops trade off on the palate for a while then nicely settle, with a lingering bitterness. Considering this is a lager, it is way complex, which I like, but I don’t think I would have more then one or two in a sitting. I don’t think I’ve had a beer like this before, it seems almost raw. It’s like a artisnal “farm” style cheese. In fact, there is some sort of mustiness in the aftertaste that reminds me of a particularly interesting English Cheddar I’ve had recently. It’s a bit rough around the edges, and I’m enjoying it, but I’m not certian I actually like it. I think I like how much thought I’m putting into it, though. Still, I wouldn’t be too likely to recommend this brew to a non-intiated drinker. Cheers to Grand River for trying something different.
