Montana Beer Series: Copper John Scotch-Style Ale

Copper John Scotch-Style Ale
Madison River Brewing Co.
Belgrade, MT

Source: Bottle from a six pack bought at the Bozeman Food Co-op; poured into a pint glass.

Tasting Notes: Ephemeral head, copper color, smells of molasses, belgian yeast and roasted almonds, low carbonation, delightfully bitter and malty finish; shades of alcohol present. Seems like it would pair well with a halibut taco or PB&J on wheat.

Overall Grade: B+

Montana Beer Series: Moose Drool Brown Ale

Moose Drool Brown Ale
Big Sky Brewing Co.
Missoula, MT

Source: Bottle from a six pack bought at the Bozeman Food Co-op; poured into a pint glass.

Tasting Notes: Dark amber color, half inch head, high carbonation, decent lacing. Light nutty start overpowered by carbonation, slight bitter finish. Unobtrusively hoppy; aroma of lime. I wanted more of everything, except CO2. Shows promise of a good session brew.

Overall Grade: B

Montana Beer Series: Pigs Ass Porter

Pigs Ass Porter
Harvest Moon Brewing Company
Belt, MT
ABV: 5%

Source: Bottle from a six pack; poured into a bulbous wine glass.

Tasting Notes: Deeply dark brown to black, low carbonation and no head, vanilla in the nose turning into Belgian yeast-biscuit after about 5 minutes, toasted rye bread in the body, slight bitter finish but not its overarching quality. Highly quaffable and satisfyingly heavy.

Overall Grade: B

Montana Beer Series: Hopper Pale Ale

Hopper Pale Ale
Madison River Brewing Co.
Belgrade, MT

Source: Bottle from a six pack bought at the Bozeman Food Co-op; poured into a pint glass.

Tasting Notes: Light amber color, zero head, light carbonation, nice lacing of bubbles in glass. Bitter start, more bitter finish. Aroma of Rye bread and honey (no hop florals to speak of). Maltiness is on the lighter side, very little flavor per se. Leaves me wanting the punch and florals of a West Coast IPA.

Overall Grade: C