New Albanian Community Dark

Draught at Rich O’s. Dark pour with no head into an English pint glass. Aroma is of roasted malt a little coffee and chocolate. Flavor is about the same. Very smooth and drinkable beer. Doesn’t really hit me with anything unique, seems very basic. A good beer for those experimenting with craft beer and don’t want something harsh.

Draught, appears opaque dark brown with no head. Aroma is roasted malt. Dark roasty flavor, a slight hop finish. Seemed a bit flat.

on tap at Rich Os. Simple, no flaws, yet boring. A fine beer but not anything to rush out and buy.

On tap at brewpub

While in town for the weekend I crossed the river to New Albany to visit this gem of a brewpub. Unfortunately having just missed Thunderfoot I nonetheless discovered an elusive mild on tap. Deciding it was a good place to start I ordered a pint while waiting for food. It’s hard to make a judgement with only two data points but if this is what most mild ales are then it is definitely one of the most underappreciated styles on the site.

Aroma / Appearance - The deep black body was very dark; I was expecting a typical amber body. You’ll hear no complaints from me however. Roasted wheat, malt and only a hint of hops smoothly blended as the pint slowly warmed from ice cold to room temperature. It was hard to pin down exactly but it almost reminded me of Stone’s black IPA without so much hoppiness.

Flavor / Palate - Dry coffee beans, wood shavings, and a light malt profile rolled across the tongue. A mellow finish capped the drinking experience without the slightest evidence of ethanol. I could see how you could drink a few of these in a night without being overly intoxicated or ruining your palate. Hopefully the next mild ale is as good as this one.

STL microfest. I appreciated this one far more than I enjoyed. it. Pours dark brown / bornze with a tan head. The aroma has sour mash, sweetness, lots of scotch and some dark toasted malt. Light body with extra gentle carbonation. The flavor starts like the aroma with more sourness ~ quite clean. The finish has green apple and nectar fruits. The is good for what it is, but I don’t need much.

Brown, nicely filtered. Pretty light-bodied all around -- crisp and light malts when served cold that opens up some light notes of caramel when warmed. Crisp finish. OK.

Draft at brewpub. Poured clear dark brown color with a moderate brown frothy head that mostly lasted with good lacing. Medium body and soft carbonation. Medium toasted malt aroma. Medium bittersweet flavor with a medium bittersweet finish of moderate duration. My expectations were met with a good drinkable brew.

On Tap at Rich O’s. This was the perfect alcohol rating for me, but not as hoppy as I normally like. Solid beer to have with a Sportstime Pizza.