Posted on: September 10, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

 

Snarling Badger is a “Berliner Weisse” in Grand Teton’s Cellar Reserve Series. The yellow / orange initial pour opens up to a thick white head. The beer itself straddles the line between fruit and wheat, with a little bit of peach and lemon to be had at the nose. The decision to place the ABV at 7.5% allows for a much more complex beer than many of its ilk.

The slight burn matches up nicely with a wheaty, fruity mouthfeel. The beer itself improves upon an average Hefeweizen or Blue Moon-type of beer. The larger size of Snarling Badger gives imbibers ample opportunity to experience each facet of the brewery’s offering. I feel that the beer provides different tastes as it continues to settle. One should try the Snarling Badger immediately after taking it from the refrigerator and then cleanse their palette after the beer has fifteen or so minutes to set.

At this latter point, the fresh taste of the beer comes more clearly into view. Grand Teton has hit it out of the ballpark with this brew; make sure to check at a beer store around you to see whether Snarling Badger (or any of their year-long efforts) can be found. The brewery crafts innovative and different efforts that are miles ahead of what the macrobreweries (and larger microbrewers) put out.  Aside from the Snarling Badger, their Sweetgrass APA (American Pale Ale) captures this philosophy perfectly. For those that do not drink, the brewery releases their own sodas – http://www.grandtetonbrewing.com/oursodas.html .

Rating: 8.7/10

Snarling Badger / Grand Teton Brewing Company / 7.5% / 15 IBU / http://www.grandtetonbrewing.com/SBBW.html

 

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