I received this beer as part of Derek and my beer of the month subscription at La Bodega. Derek immediately assigned it to me. It was fair really as I make him take all of the barleywine type beers when we get them. Touted as a sour-gose, it started off as a “nope”, poor beer, but it needed to get a fair shake.
The smell was crisp and nice. There wasn’t a sweetness or off-putting aroma. The gose was a beautiful golden color with plenty of bubbles, but it wasn’t what I’d call clear. It was cloudy with a chance of pucker-face. The first sip was actually refreshing, but the second sip brought the sour in full force. The side of my tongue felt a tingle, my cheeks got all the peach, and my throat got the sour. If it was a little sweeter, it would be like drinking Sour Patch Kids.
Sour Beer for Summer
I know people like sour beers. Some people also like watching “how to decoupage” videos and doing math. For what it’s worth, I did finish it. As established earlier, Derek doesn’t like sour beers but I made him try this one. Know how you drop garlic on the floor and your dog gobbles it up and then spits it out, and then continues smacking his tongue around like he can’t quite get it all out? Ya. Derek did that and then said, “No” with various inflection until the entire house knew his quote for this particular beer was “No” and would always be “No”.
This is a familiar story- girl hears about new, amazing beer. Girl misses the first release. Girl’s best friend tries to bring her a growler of said beer. New, amazing beer isn’t put into growlers. Girl begins mourning process because she didn’t ever get to try beer. Brewery brings beer back on tap. Girl rushes over. Girl and new, amazing beer are united…finally. The world is a better place.
Touching isn’t it?
GBC Menu
The Girdwood Reserve is a bourbon barrel aged stout. It’s pitch-brown in color, has very little head, and a smooth mouthfeel. Upon first approach it smells of barrel chips, and delivers a lot of flavor. There are layers for your palate’s enjoyment, including a bit of sweetness. I am happy to report it’s not even a little “barleywine-y” and is instead a very drinkable (well, sippable) barrel aged beer. Derek mentioned notes of cherry, but I enjoy cherry Lambic, so my meter is set pretty high. I was happy to let the bourbon notes shine.
Hello my lovelies.
This is where the story gets embarrassing- girl drinks stout. Girl hadn’t eaten much. Girl tries to have conversation with kind brewery owner. Girl realizes she’s a bit tipsy…
Even so, Josh Hegna discussed expansion with me. The team at GBC is ready to grow and moving forward with very exciting plans. It would seem they can’t make poor decisions. It does help that their backgrounds are varied- everything from law to education. It’s also a true family establishment.
Josh and I were discussing education too. Well, we were trying. Derek was enjoying his own story- the one where boy has brewery owner’s attention. Boy loses the attention and conversation strays from beer.
Boy interrupts current conversation to return to topic of beer…three times. I don’t know why I bring him. Oh ya, I love him and he loves beer as much as I do…maybe more.
The day started out pretty rough. I had to take my Audi TT into the shop to have her poor brakes looked at. The up-side was Cynosure happens to be right next to Mike, our wonderful car genius at Professional Automotive. So, once my baby’s keys were in his safe hands, Derek and I scooted over to the brewery.
There were many familiar drafts, but we both went for something a bit different for round one. (Round two was filled by delicious repeats.) Cyndi, one of the owners, was there to greet us and offer us some friendly information regarding our choices.
But Then There Was Beer
Saison ABV 7.1 IBU 21
The brew was golden-honey yellow, and contained numerous tiny bubbles. (The song was quickly stuck in my head.) It had very little head and was light and refreshing. The flavor was a bit peppery and it was quite Delerium-ish. It was very, very good.
Potter’s ABV 4.5 IBU 33
Derek’s Assessment: Very light and crisp. It tasted somewhat nutty and had a subtle dark-roasted taste/feel at the end without being heavy at all. It was very drinkable. This patersbier was “Father’s beer” or based on the beers made at monasteries.
Black ABV 5.1 IBU 26
There was no head to speak of on this dark and inviting beer. There was a clean, warm smell and a good mouthfeel. It was chocolate-y, coffee-y, black goodness. Do I enjoy dark beers too much? Is there such a thing?
Clouds ABV 5.1 IBU 35
Derek’s Assessment: This one was hard to describe, therefore he’d use the word “complex”. No specific flavors jump out. It was just good beer that makes your middle taste buds snap to attention. Just a nice easy drinking beer to be enjoyed at an easygoing brewery.
Brew Porn
And Brew Porn
Cynosure has been busy since our last visit. They have painted their picnic tables and have stunning growlers created by an AK artist for sale. We spied their shiny kegs the last time we were in and discovered they were ordered from China. They are actually embossed with Cynosure. Rad.
I was in a bit of a mood despite the beer. (My car was broken!) Derek used his amazing powers of deduction to realize this and proceed to call me “kind of an itch.” Then, perhaps out of guilt or wanting to live a bit longer, explained I wasn’t an “itch” I was just being “itchy”. Oh, and just so we’re clear, he really did say “itch”, not the other thing.
Due to my mood, I was a little bit judgmental. When the third group of men came in, I thought it pointed to a unique demographic. Five men in a gaggle (is it a gaggle?) all at Cynosure on a Saturday together. No women with them at all. Seriously, zero boobs. Hmmmmm. I wondered aloud if maybe they had just left work. Derek pointed out their shoes didn’t scream “work”. Sure enough they were wearing nice loafers and clean tennis shoes. Gosh I love being married to a LEO sometimes.
Next I noticed one of them wearing fancy embroidered jeans. What is with this trend? Seriously, when did grown men start wearing these? Thank goodness my eyes then fell on the “beard guy”. I love beards. Beards I can get behind.
Despite my mood, we had another lovely visit to a brewery that doesn’t disappoint. If you’re familiar, keep going. If you haven’t been, get yourself some sequined jeans, ditch your lady, and head on over.*
*Derek says I should clarify here. I’m kidding! Cynosure welcomes everyone. All of our past visits have included men, women, and families. It truly is a wonderful addition to the community. (I love you honey.)
