There must be something in the water in Waunakee, Wisconsin. The home of many more breweries, this new one that joins us today is a standard brewery that’s jumping on the NA train and coming out with its option for those who like the hoppy flavors but dread the sloppy favors, i.e., sober folks. So let us welcome Southern Grist Brewing Company and see what they have to offer us in the way of flavor, fun, and freaky erotica…scratch that last part.
This week we are drinking Beacon from Southern Grist Brewing. Beacon is a juicy IPA from the fun town of Waunakee and is given the explanation of why it exists on the side of the can: Why not? As a juicy IPA, I anticipate this to be a little light in the mouthfeel, with heavy hop flavor mixed with sweetness, complemented by citrus. So, let’s crack this can and prove we’re a man by getting a tan and eating some flan!
How Does It Pour?
The aroma is light and hoppy, reminiscent of Citra hops, and there is a sweetness to it, as well. The beer, which comes in a 16-ounce can (bonus points!), pours out a surprise as the color is a pale yellow and closer to champagne than the golden or copper IPAs you may be used to. There is still a level of cloudiness to the beer, which holds the promise of some heavy hop flavor, but the light color and white head have me slightly worried, and I’m wondering what Southern Grist Brewing is cooking up in their kitchen.
How Does It Taste?
When the brew for you does what it does and hits your lips, there is some aspect of making good on a promise. The initial taste is expectedly sweet, but Southern Grist Brewing plants the hops right in the middle of your tongue and lets them nest in your throat. The beer has a light mouthfeel for easy drinking but doesn’t come much further than that as far as sticking out and being unique.
Untappd gives Beacon by Southern Grist Brewing Company a 3.8 out of 5. That feels a little generous if you ask me. It’s a pretty basic beer. Not bad, but not unique in any way. Let that be a message to all of your standard breweries making one NA beer. TRY SOMETHING NEW! The whole market is flooded with Juicy IPAs. Who cares! There are so many styles; this trend began over two or three years ago. Come on.
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Sober Curator Justin Lamb is dedicated to tasting great (and sometimes not so great) NA beers and showcasing his amazing collection of memorabilia from the ’90s.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND: Want more Justin in your life? We don’t blame you! Check out his podcast Friend Request Justin has in-depth interviews with people he follows on social media, as well as his own social media followers. Friend Request dives deeper than the likes and comments. With each episode, Justin tries to create a more meaningful conversation about each individual he’s connected with. Justin ties each interview together with the commonalities and struggles that are extremely relatable and fall across the entire spectrum of the human experience.
Check Out This Episode from Friend Request
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