Lafayette Phoenix Strong Ale

Date: 11/07/1997
Source: Brewfest, Real Ale Festival

ruby brown, scant head, slight hop aroma, nut brown flavor, nice bitterness, slight sweetness, somewhat complex (phoenix single hop varietal)

Aroma: 5/10; Appearance: 5/10; Flavor: 5/10; Palate: 5/10; Overall: 10/20
Rating: 2.6/5.0
Score: *4
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The score was calculated based upon the notes and an old scoring system.

This was available both on tap and from the cask at the brewpub, and I had the latter version. (I was getting too full at this point to do both that day.) This had a dark chestnut body with a bubbly beige head. The aroma is rich and malty without being sweet, a light floral/earthy hoppiness cutting that back. This has a slightly thin mouthfeel yet delivers plenty of lavor. It tastes of bready malt, dark caramel, smoked wood, pepper, and an earthy/floral bitterness that lasts well into the finish. Nice.

<font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=7487>Lafayette Brewing Company, Lafayette, IN<font size=-1>

From the cask during my Great Lakes region brew tour. Dark red pour with a white head. Bready nose of yeast and narrow acidity. The mouthfeel is thick and warming with low carbonation. There is a wood-flavor throughout and a taste of rye toast. The hops are floral, akin to the taste of hibiscus. Bittersweet baking chocolate finish with notes of cedar. This wasn’t my favorite from this pub, but it is definitely unique and balanced. I’m convinced that Lafayette knows what’s up.

Cask pulled sampler at LBC. My first beer on my first visit to this spot. Beer is very dark brown with a settled head. Thin mouthfeel matches the cask style. Slight coffee notes. A nice alcohol nose shows through toward the end. Deceptively mild tasting, and light on hops, therefore something not to be mistaken for a session beer.