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Winter Wisdom: Hazelnut Brown Ale

Nebraska
United States
Winter Wisdom: Hazelnut Brown Ale Empyrean Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

Wise up and look deep within this brown ale to breathe in caramel aromas, taste hints of roasted hazelnuts and find a smooth, creamy finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3%
IBUs: 
18
Served at: 
55º
Hops: 
Nugget, Tettnang
Malts: 
2-Row, Biscuit, Caramel Munich 60, Midnight Wheat
Judges Review 
Nelson Crowle's picture
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Evaluated as a Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer (BJCP2015 30A) with the underlying style of British Brown Ale (BJCP2015 13B). Pours an almost clear deep brown with a moussy light tan head of tiny bubbles that is persistent and leaves light Belgian lace on the glass. Hazelnut comes across nicely in the aroma, but well balanced with medium bread crusts, bready, and light caramel notes, and the hops presenting with medium black pepper with floral and a very low earthy character. The flavor shows a nice bread doughy note and light bread crusts, low caramel and toffee flavors, with white pepper and a bit less of the hazelnut character than in the aroma, but still with the nutty off-dry finish that balances the hop bittering and malt notes about evenly with just a hint of alcohol warmth and medium carbonation.  Crisp, yet with a creamy mouthfeel, the beer is very tasty and refreshing. Try this beer with a chili made with beef brisket or bison that has crushed peanuts in it - and moderately spiced with red chili peppers.