Review - Anchor Brewing Company's Small Beer
"The tradition of brewing two distinct beers from one mash has existed for thousands of years, and for centuries the term 'small beer' was used in English to describe the lighter and weaker second beer. We make our Old Foghorn Barleywine Style Ale from the rich first runnings of an all-malt mash, and Anchor Small Beer is our attempt to duplicate the 'small beers' of old by sparging that same mash: sprinkling warm water over the Old Foghorn mash after the first wort has run off, thereby creating a second, lighter brew from the resulting thinner wort. We believe you will find Anchor Small Beer delicious—similar to what modern brewers call a 'bitter'—and we hope you will also enjoy the idea of reviving an ancient brewing tradition, which is something of great importance." -- Anchor Brewing Company
Pours a light yellow color into a very active body with an average, fizzy off-white head, settling a light amber color as the head dissipates. Aroma is balanced with the standouts being the hoppy notes of grass and hay. Initial taste is heavily bitter, leading to an astringent finish with a short duration. Light-bodied, it drinks more like a lager with a watery texture and soft carbonation.
Reviewed on May 18th, 2007.
