(Last week yielded some nice scores to say the least including a 2014 box of Beer Camp...)
It's Beer Camp time. 2013 was a little bit of a let down, with only three varieties, all of which were hop-centric. Mind you, they were tasty, but two were the same offering as 2012 - which also had an impressive Pislner and Oatmeal Stout.
On to 2014, we have a true collaboration box of 10 unique bottles and 2 cans that flaunts a who's who of U.S. craft breweries. While 2013 boxes lingered long into the summer & fall, best of luck to everyone seeking a pack and don't sleep on it.
Sierra Nevada / New Glarus Brewing » There And Back (English Bitter)
ABV: 5.6% | IBUs: 40 | Rating: 8.7/10
My partner & I first crossed paths with New Glarus at a bleary eyed dinner, crossing Wisconsin on our way to a wedding in Minnesota. We were both pleasantly surprised by their tasty, English-leaning brew style. While their sours have not graced these lips yet, I'll jump at any chance to taste what they're up to.
There And Back seemed like a solid place to start in such boisterous box. The English Bitter-style brew pours out with a rising, fluffy white head, that boasts plenty of lace, atop an amber body.
Aromatic notes of malts, herbs and fruit kick off a highly fragrant offering. There's a touch of soft peach and other white fruits tucked in there that are just lovely.
Down the hatch, it's a delightfully agreeable beer. Bright and toasted bitterness shines throughout, briskly hopped with alfalfa-like notes.
Wonderfully complex balance and quite drinkable, it's a true collaboration, balancing Sierra Nevada's bitter-enthusiasm and New Glarus' restraint and precision. It likely won't be the stand out beer of the box, but for the style it's notable.
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