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Drink Wed Nov 14 2007
Surly in Chicago
I worked late last night and decided to stop at the Division Small Bar on my way home. I was pleasantly surprised to find two new beers on tap from the Surly Brewing Company in Minnesota: Darkness and Furious.
Darkness, a limited release Russian Imperial Stout, was the star of the night (though the super-hoppy Furious is one of the best IPAs I have had). Only 25 barrels were brewed and Small Bar had a two glass maximum per person, which is probably a good idea for any 10.3% ABV beer. The beer pours thick and is a deep brown/black with a silky brown head; a truly beautiful beer. The texture is smooth and medium-full bodied. The flavors are sweet at the beginning with chocolate, blackberries and molasses. An unexpected hop level (80 IBUs) moves the middle flavors into coffee, chicory and roasted malt and finally back to a bitter chocolate.
Surly debuted in Chicago on Monday night at the Hopleaf and the Map Room, followed by Small Bar (Division location), Clark Street Ale House, Kuma’s Corner and Sheffield's last night. They are cultivating permanent relationships with some of these establishments through Windy City Distribution. Keep an out for them in the coming months.
