Brawler

With an eye toward sustainable brewing and boasting a 100 percent wind-powered brewery, Philadelphia’s Yards Brewing has been producing standout ales since 1994. Brawler is brewed broadly in the mild style, and though it weighs in at only 4.2 percent ABV, it is a flavorful, satisfying brew. The aroma is flush with hints of cocoa powder, fresh-baked bread and even a touch of pecans, and as expected of a mild, there is the merest whiff of earthy hops in the background. Rick liked the dark, slightly bitter chocolate and faint graininess in the nose and felt it was more Scottish than British in character. Below the chocolaty aromas, Tim found a firm mineral note as well as traces of “earthiness” and “oak” that he felt lent the aroma exceptional complexity for what is a rather small beer. Supporting a dense, creamy, tan-colored head, this beer is deep, alluring copper and utterly crystal clear. Brawler throws around substantial flavors for such a low-alcohol beer, unleashing waves of caramel, biscuit, creamy toffee and dark fruits. Carbonation is a touch high for this style, but it does help cut through the caramel a bit and dry out the finish. Tom marveled at the “exceptionally clean malt” flavors, especially the meshing of sweet caramel/toffee and slightly acrid cocoa, while Pete found the balance to be a little too much toward the sweet side and commented on a “slight buttery” flavor riding below the sweetness. This is a malt-forward brew, slightly sweet but with just enough hop bitterness and carbonation to balance. Brawler is a true session beer, perfectly crafted to be savored among friends at your local pub.