Shorts Bellaire Brown

Brewed by Shorts Brewing Co.
Style: Brown Ale
Bellaire, Michigan USA

<i>Draft at brewpub:</i> I’ve had the chance to try this twice now and it steals the show for me at the brewpub. Shorts has taken on one of the most dull styles of beer and made it complex, yet sessionable. The board marked this as 6.6% ABV so this version is probably a far cry from where the beer originally started at 5.2%. The beer pours a sparkling brown with a mocha head that rides the beer all the way down. A deep inhale reveals an onslaught of sweet caramel, brown bread, cinnamon and molasses. The body is full, but never cloying and remains drinkable. As the beer opens up, a great note of caramalized sugars reveal themselves. I am guessing some kettle caramelization is going on here although I couldn’t get an answer from either waitress. Whatever the technique, the maltiness is reminiscent of a Scottish ale, with the drinkablitiy of a brown ale. Layers of chocolate, sweet cake, vanilla and buttery nuts support the caramel core. Finishes with the slightest of bitterness to keep the sweetness under wraps. Very complex and very good. I would love to clone this recipe and have it on tap.

On tap at the brewpub. The body was dark brown with some ruby. A light khaki head. The aroma is strongly malty with some tobacco and chocolate. The body was medium with some toffee and black tea. Nearly perfect for the style.

On tap @ Short’s. Dark brown with a thin tan head. First taste is strong of dark bitter chocolate after that a nice smooth taste. Excellent brown beer with a great malt & chocolate caramel taste.

A very nice pour with some decent head, great lacing, and nice carbonation in what looks to be a rather viscous liquid. Smells of caramel, light bread, roasted malt. Unexpectedly nice here. Tastes of caramel, bread, sweetness, very light on the hops, no bitter sensation or alcohol presence. Very good. Medium in both body and carbonation. Such an easy drinker and a solid beer. Very good stuff.

Poured a very nice dark brown with a light brown, creamy head. The color is so dark it almost appears murky but upon closer inspection is actually sparkling clear. The Belgian lace is well formed and attractive. Rich malty notes with hints of toasted cereal, chocolate and nuts. Smoky? Restrained, yet balanced hops. Layered flavors. Lighter body than the color suggests. Highly refreshing. Rather moreish.

12 oz bottle, poured into a tulip. Color is a gorgeous deep brown, with small thin tan head. Aroma is very rich for a brown ale...roasted malt, coffee, chocolate, dark fruit, and brown sugar. Taste of toasted malt, chocolate, and nuts. Mouthfeel is medium and smooth. Pretty good, but a bit rich.

12 oz. bottle. Rich brown in color with a roasted malt aroma. Aroma carries over into the flavor as well as some caramel and a lite coffee flavor.

A great brown, full of flavor. Not thin and bitter like many, but sugary, and warm. It tastes like a mutherfucking tootsie-roll! wonderfull brown.