Growler Wars: Free Will vs. Long Trail

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.

Free Will Brewing Company 7 Course Red
I first had this beer at Chap's Taproom in Norristown (will do separate blog later) and, quite frankly, was blown away. It's got a reddish color. Almost brown. The malts shoot up the nose quickly as its brought up for the first sip. There's a dry, piney flavor that gives the beer an extra bit of character. Despite the full, complex flavors, it's smoothly textured. Smoky and almost stoutish, the beer just does not seem like the work of two guys from Perkasie. This is seasoned-veteran beer. A truly delicious specimen.

Long Trail Brewing Company Double IPA
Let's get the intangibles out of the way: It's a little bit of a cloudy golden color. The beer remains bubbly despite a ten-minute interval spent sipping the Free Will joint. Lively, full head. The scent is spectacular. Vibrant. Fruity. Citrusy. Floral. Truly one of the best aromas I've ever experienced in a beer. There is a very nice balance of hops and orangey flavor. Almost feels like a little bit of strawberry in the finish. If I were to have one complaint (and it would be nit-picky), I would say that it seems a tad bit light for a double IPA. Another application of hops and this beer might be completely next-level. While I have had a mixed experience with Long Trail, this is a completely legit IPA.

The Winner
Make no mistake about it: These are two exceptional beers. However, as a winner, I have to go with Free Will. The only (and I mean, only) reason I am going with Free Will is I don't believe Long Trail quite meets the grade of a double IPA. The hops are a little subtle for that genre of beer. So I am going to downgrade it slightly for not quite meeting its stated objective. While I believe 7 Course Red is the slightly better beer, the truth is, if you should see either of these beers on a tap near you, you should go ahead and make a purchase.
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Growler Wars: AleSmith vs. Voodoo

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.

AleSmith Nautical Nut Brown Ale
The color on this San Diego-based brewer's English brown ale actually borders on black. It gives off serious malts as well as definite coffee notes. There is a bit of a spicy, peppery flavor and the first sip is both smooth yet vibrant and spiky. There is a bit of a sour, vinegary feel at points, but overall this brown is way better than run-of-the-mill.

Growler Wars: Great Divide vs. Old Forge

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.


Old Forge Brewing Company T-Rail Pale Ale
This beer from a Danville, Pa. brewery that I had never heard of before purchasing the growler has a copper coloring and hop flavor that registers, but doesn't necessarily pop. There's not much jumping off in the scent department and the appearance is a bit cloudy (perhaps it is unfiltered?). To go along with hops that seem a little on the small side, there is not much of an off-setting ingredient of any sort. I wouldn't call it bland really, but it certainly is not memorable. It is an average (maybe slightly below) microbrew Pale.


Great Divide Brewing Company Nomad Pilsner
This one pours a thick head that sticks around for a while. The bubbles within the extra-clear and clean golden coloring stay perculating for a while as well. It's obscenely crisp with a major pop of flavor in the finish. It's a simple beer that could be enjoyed one after another on a spring afternoon (or a somewhat temperate winter one), but it's complex as well. Rustic and wheaty, with a pleasingly fragrant scent that will jolt you if you make the effort.

The Winner
Honestly, I figured this might be an unfair fight when I purchased the growlers. Great Divide is an esteemed Colorado brewery with a variety case that I absolutely cherished. Old Forge is a brewery that I have never heard of. In fact, before I did the research for this piece, I assumed it was located in upstate New York. Well, unfair or not, the winner is the Great Divide specimen. The Old Forge is a very average Pale Ale. Nomad is an exceptional pilsner. One positive for Old Forge: It was only $7.99 for the growler. The Nomad was $10.99. But do yourself a favor and spend the extra three bucks. It will be worth it.

Growlers purchased at Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting.
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Growler Wars: Harpoon vs. Troegs

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.

Harpoon Winter Warmer
I'm detecting clear traces of cinnamon and nutmeg. It's almost reminiscent of a pumpkin beer. While the spice in this beer is not what I would call subtle, it also does not overpower. It strikes a fairly nice balance. It gives off a powerful scent and features a fine dark color. Overall, it is much better than I expected it to be.