Beer: Mr Brownstone Hazelenut Brown Ale
Brewer: Woodstock Brewery
Address: 252 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925
Availability: Year-Round
What the brewery says:
Mr Brownstone, crafted for your pleasure as the choice Autumnal tipple, is a medium-bodied Hazelnut Brown Ale whose enticing qualities emulate those of his sinister namesake. Mr Brownstone has a hazelnutty vanilla aroma with a roasted cocoa bean and biscuit malt backbone; a balanced hop bitterness; and velvety smooth, chocolatey finish.
Review
Aroma: 17/20
While a nutty aroma comes through, the sweet caramel on the nose is a hint overpowering.
Appearance: 9/10
It pours a dark brown colour with a lovely fluffy, tan head.
Flavour: 38/40
The aroma doesn’t do the flavour justice. The sweetness of the aroma’s caramel is there, but it is well balanced with bitterness. The hazelnut comes through strongly and there is just a hint of dark chocolate and nuts reminiscent of Nutella in the aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: 9/10
Crips, and refreshing, there is nonetheless a rich, flavoursome, smoothness on the aftertaste.
Overall Impression: 19/20
This is such an interesting beer that offers many things you very rarely experience. Sweet enough to carry itself alongside a range of desserts it is nonetheless bitter and balanced enough that you can easily have another. The unique flavour profile alone makes it worth trying, and the quality will keep you coming back for more.
Total of out of 100 points:
92
Score Breakdown
100 to 95: World beater – Make a plan to try this before you die
94 to 90: Excellent – Drink this now
89 to 85: Good – Thoroughly enjoyable
84 to 75: It’ll do – You won’t remember it
74 and below: Don’t waste your time
