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Ubu Ale

New York
United States
Ubu Ale by Lake Placid Craft Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
79
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Appearance:
5 / 6
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
Description 

Hints of toasty chocolate, brown sugar, and nutty malt characters that finish slightly dry with a medium mouthfeel.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%
IBUs: 
17
Hops: 
Cluster, Willamette
Malts: 
Two-Row, Crystal 45, Chocolate
Judges Review 
Michael Bury's picture
Judges Rating:
79
Aroma:
19 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20

Lake Placid’s Ubu is being evaluated as an American Brown ale (2015 BJCP Category 19C) despite the brewery’s recommendation of it being an English-style strong ale. 

Ubu opens with reserved chocolate and molasses that mingles with a bit of biscuit and dried figs. There’s also a hint of clean acid indicating too low of a beer pH. 

Light toast with supporting caramel, baker’s chocolate, and dried fruit can’t support the medium high hop-based bitterness that’s similar more to an IPA than an English-style strong ale.  The semi-dry finish leaves the palate clean with a lingering trace of light earthy hops. 

As an American Brown ale, Ubu is a solid contender with up-front bitterness. However, as an English strong ale it lacks the fermentation character of the best examples coupled with the rich malt that many equate with barleywines.