Surly: Wet

Brewery: Surly
Beer: Wet
Style: American IPA
ABV:  7.5%
How it was consumer: Firkin

The other day, I finally had an opportunity to make it to a Firkin Friday at Grumpy's downtown, as I was waiting for my wife to get out of work.  I made my way into the establishment, only to find out it was a Surly Beer on tap.

Those who know me and my weird beer preferences know I'm usually not a fan of Surly's beers.  I love that they are local and I love what they've done for the microbrew scene in Minnesota, but I can't get behind a beer that so loaded with hops that it tastes of perfume.

That being said, I said what the hell and decided to give it a go anyways.  Keep in mind the beer had probably been sitting, unchilled, in the firkin for about an hour prior to me getting there.  Usually that'd be strike two right there.

However, I found myself really enjoying this beer.  It has its hops for sure, but it was a delightful blend of wet hops and bittering hops.  This particular beer also uses an English Ale yeast, but tasted almost similar to a Belgian.  It tasted comparable to a lot of other smaller breweries summer ales, but with a unique flavor that tasted good at room temperature. 

I'm glad I got a chance to try one more Surly beer that I enjoy, besides their Brown Ale. I also drank the Summer Ale from Indeed brewery later that night, but still enjoyed my room temperature Surly Wet to the fresh and cold Shennanigans, despite the fact they are similar in style, close in taste and feature a lot of the same ingredients. 

  If you'd like to give this one a try though, better act fast.  The Surly Wet is a seasonal beer.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Fulton Brewery: Libertine

Brewery: Fulton Brewery
Beer: Libertine
Style: American Amber/ Red Ale
ABV:  8.5%
How it was consumer:  Take home Growler

It's dangerous working very close to a brewery, especially when they happen to produce one of your favorite beers.  I work in the North Loop in Minneapolis, giving me a chance to grab a growler of Sweet Child of Vine from Fulton basically whenever I feel like it.

Obviously, them introducing (or re-introducing I suppose) a new beer got me excited.  It's kind of like anytime your favorite sports teams get a new player.  I guess I'm comparing my hype to Libertine to AK-47 (T'Wolves), Josh Willingham (Twins) and Zach Parise (Wild). :)

The Libertine is a very elegant Red Ale.  Many I've spoken to, or read from, suggest drinking this beer out of a goblet, rather than the typical pint glass I use with growlers.  I'd also highly suggest drinking this beer cold, as allowing to get warm is suggestible only to those who are used to drinking warm beers.  It's slight smoky flavor may make it harsh for people to drink at room temperature.

There are hints of cherry in the Fulton as well, but nothing potent enough to deter those who do not like fruit in their beer.  Comparing to a Summit Horizon Red Ale, this beer tastes more adult, with more flavor, and definitely more potent, sitting at over 8% ABV. Expect to feel it a bit after having a couple drinks from it.



The Libertine, while not for everyone, is still a great beer. It's certainly not going to pull me away from drinking their Blonde or their IPA, but not a beer I'd say no to if available at my local watering hole.  It's rich flavor, amazing amber color and its smoky after taste make it a good beer to enjoy around the campfire or relaxing at home for a movie night.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.