Midnight Sun Tasting @ the Horsebrass review

I was at the Horsebrass Pub for the first night of the Midnight Sun Brewing tasting. It was the night before Belmont Station partook in the festivities.

From Thursday, April 5th, 2007

The air at the Horsebrass was thick with enthusiasm and secondhand smoke. People were bustling with excitement to get their hands on and palate around the hardy offerings of Midnight Sun, an Anchorage, Alaska based microbrewery. Perhaps the most highly anticipated libation of the night was the Midnight Sun Conspiracy, brewed in conjunction with acclaimed former Pelican and now Hop Urban Brewery (H.U.B.)head brewer Ben Love. Centered in the row of tables on the pub's west side were an entourage of beer zealots clad in black, sporting the logo of Conspiracy--two pistols conjoined upward beneath the beer's name in a stylish red cursive font. Centered amongst these folks was Midnight Sun head brewer Gabe Fletcher. Fletcher, a tall and boisterous figure, I perceived from afar as mighty with an aura that emitted a rock star status.

As I was greeted by a friendly barhand, the room quickly filled to capacity and I was joined by friends and family. Fortunately we were all able to be seated together. Had we waited a moment longer, I fear this would have been next to impossible. I ordered a ten ounce sample of the first three Midnight Sun beers made available on draught. These included the Conspiracy Black Belgian Ale, the Envy Imperial Lager, and the FH Double IPA. Here are some takes on these brews:

Conspiracy Black Belgian Ale-I have never seen a black Belgian ale before. This is deep and opaque with an outer-lying minuscule beige head. Sweet, black cherry nose and flavor with an extraordinarily smooth and qualpable flavor. At 8.5% ABV, the alcohol was well masked by warm hints of chocolate, toffee, and chicory. Very enjoyable beer!

FH Double IPA-Big fruity nose and powerfully grapefruit-esque. This one is simultaneously smooth and bitter (not palate burning)on the finish. Hazy, clouded tawny/copper color with a small, well-centered white head. Prominent and columnular lacing. Exceptional IPA!

Envy Imperial Lager-With a thin, well distributed beige/white head, this pilsner was pungent and slightly spicy to the nose. Clear copper-golden body. Tingling bitter, hoppy finish. Dripping, congregated lace and lively bubbles. Crisp, refreshing with a dynamic finish. I get the impression from talking to others in my party that this is the kind of beer you either like or don't like. I happen to like most handcrafted beers and this was no exception.

After a while of tasting these three beers, a fourth tap was made available, Midnight Sun's Triple IPA.

Triple IPA-After that amazing double IPA, I was so excited that an even bigger rendition of the beer was coming to our table.But how could that one be improved upon? Honestly and sadly enough, it was not. The nose was sweet and slight, but no where near as luring as the double. My tongue recoiled quickly as mammoth amounts of piny bitterness hit. It was an uber-astringent rind-like flavor and the aroma and finish of alcohol were overwhelming. This one wasn't for me, especially after such a delectable double IPA. Oh well, you can't win 'em all.

So that was it. Or was it? I decided to finish the night with another IPA that I hadn't had before. The 'brass's captivating menu of beers was only overshadowed by the damage my poor lungs were taking on. Still, a new beer named the Butte Creek Haxed & Infused was a pleasant, mildly alcoholic and healthfully hopped cap to my night. It was a great time at the Horsebrass as usual, even if I woke up the next morning feeling like I had been swimming in a chimney.