All About Beer Magazine

Beer Talk

Wailing Wench

Middle Ages

Available: NY, MA, PA, NJ

• Stephen Beaumont

  Perhaps I’m becoming a bit jaded by all the highly hopped beers I’ve been tasting lately, but although this deep russet colored ale has a lovely, perfumey, hop-dominated nose, the body is leaving me a bit flat. There’s some raisiny sweetness up front, but after that, it’s all hop, hop and more hop, leaving the roasty, slightly burnt malt in the background with minimal balance. The finish is bitter and a bit acrid, and lingering. Perhaps something I might try with a vindaloo.

• Charlie Papazian

  Another dense head of busty foam? No tasting would be complete without a good dose of hops. Ah yes, ain’t it good to be American! Tantalizingly clear red and copper. Out of this world floral hop aroma. It’s springtime in October. Hop flavors are a bit assertive, aggressive, call it whatever. But the fruity floral hops continue to dominate and distract to satisfaction. Wonderfully hoppy. Have a few and reach for a pillow. Breakfast is in the morning.

• Garrett Oliver

  This beer shows a nice russet-brown color and a huge, buttery, resinous hop aroma. The palate is hard up front, with a minerally bitterness. Eventually the malt vaults over the wall of hops and some caramel comes through as it slides out to a short, slightly astringent finish. By itself, this beer is slightly rough around the edges, but it would be quite enjoyable with a good steak or burger.