Hastings Coborn's Beer Tasting - TODAY!

I realize this may be a bit short notice, but you should definitely stop by the Hastings Coborn's Liquor today to try some tasty brews. It's Labor Day weekend, after all, and you're going to want to have a selection of awesome beer to consume during your 3-day hiatus from work, right? If so, come sample these:

• Pyramid Hefeweizen
• Pyramid Thunderhead IPA
• Third Street Brewhouse Rise to the Top Cream Ale
• Third Street Brewhouse Lost Trout Brown Ale
• Third Street Brewhouse Bitter Neighbor Black IPA

If you try them all and still can't find quite what you're looking for, I'll be happy to help match you with your perfect brew by answering questions and giving suggestions (if you looking for them). Visit the store anytime from 4:30pm - 8pm and we'll talk and taste beer. Hope to see you there!

Beer Brief #23 - SYX

Brewery - Surly Brewing Company, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Beer - SYX

Style - American Strong Ale aged on 6 different species of wood: apple, cherry, ash, hickory, hard & soft maple

ABV - 15%

Color - Copper body with an off-white head

Aroma - Honey, toffee, apple, alcohol

Flavor - Brief sweet malt, light fruit juice, touch of spice, unique bitterness, hot alcohol, and a very dry finish

Verdict - Hmmm. This is probably my least favorite of the Surly anniversary beers, at least at this point. The alcohol is very hot and the bitterness is slightly unpleasant combined with that booziness. I'm glad I purchased 2 bottles, because I really want to see how this one develops with age. I'm guessing the alcohol burn will tame down and some more subtle flavors will begin to emerge. I'll be very excited to try it again in a year.