A taste of… Eye of the Hawk Select Ale

Mendocino Brewing Company
1601 Airport Road
Ukiah, California, 95482
United States
(707) 463-2627

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Eye of the Hawk Select Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was no “Best by” date on the bottle neck.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Here is a crystal clear copper, with an almost red hue, brew with noticeable but not obvious carbonation that forms a rather limited head of tiny bubbles that leave a trace of Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The first sensation reveals a caramel undertone that a second visit confirms while a not-quiet burnt sugar sensation stays in the background. Finally there is a slight sensation of smoke that is almost impossible to find again. The moment between lip and sip has a teasing caramel scent.

Mouth feel: There is a real big body here. But my word ain’t she foxy!

Flavor: First impression is of almost maple syrup that is plowed over by an alcoholic warmth and sherry like base flavor. The second visit brings out even more burnt sugar, caramel, crème caramel, singed marshmallow flavor glimpses. The hop bitter flavors are more off-stage managers of this flavor presentation.

Finish: There is a bit of malingering but the end result is almost (notice I said almost) dry.

Comments: A rich, almost vinous brew that carries a note of 8.0% alcohol by volume.

Food & Beer: A joint (not that kind…) of mutton (try and find that!) with a chestnut puree and roasted yams and sautéed collard greens would make a fine meal mate for this Hawk.

The Brewery: http://www.mendobrew.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/200/641

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/mendocino-eye-of-the-hawk-select-ale/357/