All About Beer Magazine

Beer Talk

Buster Nut Brown Ale

Ska Brewing Co.
Durango, CO

Available: AZ, CO, IL, NC, NM

Alcohol (vol.): 5%
Color: Dark Caramel Brown
Bitterness: 29
Original Gravity: 11.522
Malts used: Victory, Munich
Hops used: Northern Brewer, Cascade, Willamette

• Stephen Beaumont

  Well, lip up, Fatty! If it isn’t a brown ale evidently dedicated to the immortal Buster Bloodvessel, front man for British ska legends, Bad Manners. Reddish of hue, this rather mild-mannered brown has a softly nutty and chocolaty nose—sort of like low-cal Glossettes, if such a thing exists. The body is a little thin, too, with some raisiny notes up front and very gentle cocoa, hazelnut and toasted brown sugar in the middle. An off-dry finish completes this refreshing (rather than fulfilling) ale, one which would be more at home with a hotdog than a beef stew.

• Charlie Papazian

  Chestnut brown with a great sunset clarity. Hints of grass and corn in the aroma. Refreshing medium body of an English style nut brown ale. Mild hop character with notes of caramel and roasted malts. A “dark” beer that would be welcomed by those who are just discovering the flavor and diversity of American craft beers.

• Garrett Oliver

  This beer shows a beautiful mahogany color and raises a nice tan head. The aroma is interesting—caramel and a touch of chocolate, but with a whiff of barbecue sauce. The palate is light and dry with restrained hopping. The malt checks in for a moment before the beer heads for a clean linear finish. An odd duck from a good brewery; it reminds me of some English milds. Good with a roast beef sandwich for lunch, but hold the horseradish.