Beer Review - Oskar Blues Old Chub

I was hanging out at Hamilton Creek Brewery and brewer Scott S hands me four different Oskar Blues beers He generously brought them back from the Ale for The Trail beer event and requested that I review them for the blog. I will be honest - I have tried all four beers numerous times. I am very familiar with this brewery, and have even visited their Longmont Colorado location. One thing I have not done is review any of their beers. I think it's about time so let's go!

Oskar Blues Old Chub Scotch Ale

Oskar Blues Grill and Brewery- Lyons, CO

ABV: 8.0%  

Smitty's Review: Canned on 1-31-11. Sampled at 55 degrees in a British pint glass. Pours cola brown with a two fingers khaki colored head that diminishes to a retentive ring. Aroma of sugary malts, bread, and bold fruity ale esters. Lighter side of medium bodied, with light texture and soft carbonation. Flavor of brown sugar, hazlenut, raisen, and berries that transitions to a faint peaty finish. You can tell that hops are there to bring balance, but I could not detect any significant characteristics, as they have melded nicely into the beer. Alcohol becomes more noticeable toward room temp, but in a good way. All in all- a perfect Scotch Ale and a benchmark for an American interpretation of the style. You read that correctly- it's perfect. I would not change a thing.

• Rating*: 10 out of 10
• Recommended Food Pairing: Roast beef, game, chicken, mild cheeses, creme brulee, fudge brownies
• Value: a tad on the high side at around $10.99 per six, but worth the price
• Beer Audience: Anyone who enjoys craft beer, especially those who like malt forward UK style beers.
• Where to buy: Most liquor stores with a high gravity beer section should have this.

* rating system based on aroma (1 pt), appearance (1pt), palate (2 pts) flavor (3pts), comparison to other commercial examples of the style (3pts)

Thanks to Scott and the Oskar Blues Rep for donating the beers. I will be reviewing the others soon, so check back soon or join the Nashville Beer Geek Facebook group. Cheers

Smitty