Blithering Idiot

Situated on the banks of the Lehigh River in Easton, Pa., Weyerbacher Brewing produces some of the East Coast’s most noteworthy beers, including the fearsome Blithering Idiot, a decidedly American take on the venerable English barleywine. This beer suffuses the room with aromas of ripe pineapple, luscious caramel, and warm, fresh-baked bread, all swirling effortlessly together with subtlety and finesse. The intense maltiness that leaps from the glass took Rick aback, but after the initial malt blast, he delved deeper to find light sugary character he felt was “reminiscent of honey liqueur.” By contrast, Pete found the malty sweetness “soft and soothing,” while keying in on the intense alcohol punctuated by flashes of “pineapples and coconuts.” Pouring slightly turbid, and appearing a little chunky, this is an orange-ish amber brew topped by a dense, clinging, tan-colored head. Alcohol plays the starring role in Blithering Idiot’s flavor, but it’s supported by a maelstrom of tropical fruits, sticky toffee, and warm toast. Tim pronounced the beer “a touch sweet” and felt it needed a boost in bitterness to “keep the malt at bay.” He did, however, enjoy the big, alcohol smack up front along with notes of raisin and dark rum throughout. The massive maltiness and assertive alcohol didn’t put Tom off, and he lauded the brew as “well-balanced, if a bit malt-driven.” Taken in moderation, Blithering Idiot is just the tonic to fortify the soul amidst the winter chill.