Grumpy Troll Freedom American IPA

Growler. Poured a clear medium orange color with a soapy off white head. Smelled of subdued pine with whiffs of graham cracker and hay. Light to medium bodied with moderate bitterness and delicate sweetness. Toffee and subdued grapefruit flavors emerged, but overall the flavor was a bit flat. Nothing offensive.

On draught at the brewpub in downtown Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin. Pours a clear golden amber brew with a creamy off-white head that slowly dissipates to a white ring and leave behind some excellent lacing. Aroma of caramel malt, both cascade and grassy hops and a hint of tangerine zest. Taste is medium bodied, with flavors of dry caramel malt, some citrus zest, tobacco and dry herbs. Finish is semi-dry with aftertastes of grapefruit zest, tobacco, and some dry herbs that leaves behind a lingering dry bitterness finish.

On tap at the brewpub, pours clear with a very small nose. Taste is harsh - bitter, malty, earthy (see: dirt) hops, just a bit of caramel. It has an aggressive taste, but not in a good way. It does mellow some with successive sips, and the flavor grows as the glass empties. Admittedly, this was one of the last ones I tried in the 11-sampler, so it was warm, but while this is usually the best way to rate a beer, I hope it was better while it was cold. Ok.

Copper pour with a small white head. Aroma is earthy hops and caramel. Flavor is orange up front, with a nice floralness coming on the back end. Has some caramel and toffee malt flavor, along with a goofy graininess. I almost get a touch of rye as well, but no mention of that leads me to believe it’s just a dry, hop quality. Mildly bitter and a tad thick for the style.