Plowman's Ale I Grand river brewing
Galt, ON
ABV: 4.7%
IBU: n/a
Style: Ale
Colour: That of a plowman's beard
ABV: 4.7%
IBU: n/a
Style: Ale
Colour: That of a plowman's beard
Well if lacing tickles your fancy you're gonna love the shit outta this beer. But to love the beer for its taste you better hope that hops tickle your fancy as well, because this is one seriously bitter dark ale. Marketed as a reward for a hard working job well done, Plowman's Ale is definitely a manly beer, but in the end this dark and hoppy ale certainly wouldn't be my first option, especially when it's hot outside.
Usually with a beer this dark it's all about the malt, but Plowman's Ale is a sneaky hop-bomb in disguise. Although Grand River Brewing's website advertises this beer as perfectly balanced, I sure as shit wouldn't describe it as such, as an intensely earthy bitterness dominates the palate from start to finish. You'd never guess this from the malt-forward aromas of English toffee that sadly turn to mere whispers in the actual flavour profile. As it warms up some more malty flavour makes an appearance, and there is some dark fruit sweetness buried in there, but it's in flashes that are quickly dominated by that uber-hoppy back end. As you'd expect, this bitterness carries into the aftertaste and pretty much seals out any other character from shining through. There's a peppery spiciness to the bitterness, so if black lagers and other hoppy offerings are your jam, you might like this one. But if you're looking for a more traditional ale you might be left a wee bit disappointed.
Usually with a beer this dark it's all about the malt, but Plowman's Ale is a sneaky hop-bomb in disguise. Although Grand River Brewing's website advertises this beer as perfectly balanced, I sure as shit wouldn't describe it as such, as an intensely earthy bitterness dominates the palate from start to finish. You'd never guess this from the malt-forward aromas of English toffee that sadly turn to mere whispers in the actual flavour profile. As it warms up some more malty flavour makes an appearance, and there is some dark fruit sweetness buried in there, but it's in flashes that are quickly dominated by that uber-hoppy back end. As you'd expect, this bitterness carries into the aftertaste and pretty much seals out any other character from shining through. There's a peppery spiciness to the bitterness, so if black lagers and other hoppy offerings are your jam, you might like this one. But if you're looking for a more traditional ale you might be left a wee bit disappointed.
