Our Albany/Schenectady pals Grady Stiles were on their last tour this past week; Ithaca being the final stop. When their Thursday night Rochester gig fell through, we figured we'd make the most of it with gorges & beer.
The tapline was full of seasonals, 5-Barrels, and old favorites were on tap, including White Gold, Old Scout, Intensify Forward Firepower, Country Pumpkin & others above, plus their latest cask offering, their mighty Cascazilla on oak & cherries.
This Cascazilla variation works well on cask - cloud-like soft carbonation floating dark cherry notes which peak through, dry, hoppy goodness. English-style malt/hop balance with a growing dryness and dark fruit wisps of sweet, tart, and earth.
Sipping through samples of their latest 5-Barrel offerings, it was a tough call between their Intensify Forward Firepower (packed with hops, rye, and booze - very tasty) and their barrel-aged New Scout. In the end.. barrels win.
New Scout is fine, dark brew goodness with plenty of deep, roasted malt flavor and distinct oak notes. A drinkable, no-nonsense summer dark beer that's plenty roasted with a touch of smoke.
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