Surly SeVIIn

This is the seventh anniversary special release from the Surly Brewing Company of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. They have finalized plans for a huge new brewery and taproom in Minneapolis near the University of Minnesota campus and have begun construction. This one is a Belgian Style Strong Ale finished with Brett. It uses rye, wheat and oats (their first beer using wheat), along with Belgian candi sugar. It is a strong 12.5% ABV.

The beer pours a deep amber and copper, almost glowing dark orange. There is not quite an inch of semi-creamy off-white head. The aroma is tangy, lightly fruity, oranges, cherries and apricots, creamy and semi-sweet. The taste is both sweet and tangy, following the aromas, giving a vinous quality, slightly boozy, it gives off some heat in the mouth and throat, but in a way balanced with the flavors. The balance between the grains, the hops and the yeast is very well done, making a smooth drinking whole. As it warms, more caramel type notes emerge. It is full-bodied, drinking smooth, but with a fine tingle of carbonation that is just right for the beer. The Brett is very subtle in this beer.