A taste of… Otter Creek Spring Ale

Otter Creek Brewing
793 Exchange St.
Middlebury, Vermont, USA 05753
(800) 473-0727

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Otter Creek Spring Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was a “LOT262421010510” stamped on the bottle.

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: There is a slight haze to this honey colored brew. A sprightly carbonation of tiny to small bubbles builds a quick head of little consequence. There are traces of it in the skimpy Belgian lace.

Aroma: First impressions are reminiscent of bread dough. A second visit reveals a roasted corn aroma. The third nose-dive brought out undertones of malted barley.

Flavor: First impression is a grain cracker followed by a rush of a tongue-clearing tang of hops. Next, a spike of hop flavor that blunts and relaxes into a sweet sensation. The third swig had the flavor and olfactory senses calibrated and agreeing that they liked what they had and were not interested in deconstruction.

Mouth feel: There is a good deal more body to this brew than first impression. By the third swig this becomes obvious… builds gradually.

Finish: There is a bit of a thick sensation that lingers but it is not unpleasant.

Comments: I am familiar with the Kolsch style and find it elusive unless sampled in a kellar or garten in Cologne.

Food & Beer: This is a rich beer that would find a friend in a thick bread pretzel.

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

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/119/40639

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/otter-creek-spring-ale-german-style-kolsch/83662/