Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.
Greensboro, NC
Available: NC
Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene led the Southern Campaign during the Revolutionary War. Though his major battle—the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781—was won by the British, their losses were so great, it is widely regarded as the battle that forced the British to begin their surrender. Greensboro, founded 27 years later, was named in honor of Nathanael Greene.
ABV: 5.1
ABW: 4.1
Color: 7.2
Bitterness: 27
Original gravity: 1052
Golden color. Honeyed malt, citrus and a hint of melon and pine on the nose. Clean and crisp on the palate, with more of the honey, malt, melon and citrus. Firm, hoppy finish with lingering grapefruit zest. Grill a big, juicy cheeseburger, throw in some fries, and you’re all set.
North Carolina beer has come a long way since I sampled a highly questionable tobacco-flavored beer at the GABF many years ago, and this beer is further evidence of that fact. Pouring deep gold, it has a very perfumey nose that seems to alternate between citrus, florals and sweetish, toasted malt. On the palate, it begins faintly sweet and caramelly before exploding in an orgy of hop bitterness, complete with nutshell notes, citrus peel and fresh, green hop flavors. The bitter finish lingers a little too long and heavy, but that could work to its advantage alongside a spicy beef burrito.
John Hansell is an equal-opportunity drinker. He writes about beer, wine and spirits. He is the creator, publisher & editor of Malt Advocate, a magazine for the whisky enthusiast.
Stephen Beaumont boarded his first plane at the age of 15 and hasn’t looked back since, obsessing about travel to the point that he gets nervous if he doesn’t have a ticket or two stacked on the corner of his desk. When he’s not running around in search of new taste experiences, he makes his home in Toronto, where a new cultural experience is only as far away as the next neighborhood.
