HopCat Grandfathers Beer

Brewed by Sherwood Brewing Company
Style: Schwarzbier
Shelby Township, Michigan USA

Draft at HopCat on 07/17/08. Poured clear dark brown color with medium off-white frothy head that mostly lasted with good lacing. Medium to heavy roasted malt aroma with a woody smoke tone. Medium body with a smooth texture. Medium to heavy flavor of roasted malt with a medium to heavy bittersweet finish of moderate to long duration. This is a standout beer.

Lager on tap at HopCat, brewed at Sherwood with the help of Michael Plank (Plank Beer of Germany). Murky deep orange-brown body, thin cream head. Light earthy, toasty aroma, with estery banana and clove. Cerealy body with light chocolate and spice (clove), estery and quite dry, with light sweetness and a lengthy, leafy, bitter hops finish. Good body, bite, and quaffability.

A 150 year recipe lies dormant and than summoned by a Grand Rapids pub, a Belgian Brewer and an up and coming Brewery in East Michigan. The trio have landed on a really special ale. I don’t know what it tasted like 150 years ago, but today its wonderful. The hops hit your palate at the same time the late roasted malts fulfill your taste buds. It leaves you to a dreamy 15 minute serenade. Perfected.