It’s been almost a month since the fine folk of Independence came to visit, and my beer choices have returned to the normal patterns of IPAs, Dubbels, and recently, Oktoberfest. Inevitably, as the weather cools down and gray becomes the dominant color of the sky, the beer begins to warm up both in drinking temperature and alcohol content; lagers are dropped (save Dopplebocks), Porters, Imperial Stouts tend to take the cake. Around this time I usually get back to home-brewing, starting off with an English Brown Ale. This time, I’m thinking about moving away from the English style, as most commercial examples are a little thin for my tastes.

Samples included Independence Bootlegger, Magic Hat Roxy Rolles (although technically an Amber), Sam Smith’s Nut Brown, and Dogfish India Brown Ale.

Both the Bootlegger and the India Brown have heavier aromatics in the grain bill, with a certain amount of Biscuit / Special-B flavor (unless my taster is off) reminiscent of the old Fat Tire maltiness; the hop tones are much more pronounced in these modern American interpretations of the style than the classical English, but it’s an even bittering. While I know the India Brown keeps to the tradition of using Kent Goldings and Fuggles, I don’t recall what Independence is using….quite likely the same. Furthermore, while I’ve been drinking Bootlegger for a year and being unimpressed, comparing it side-by-side to the Dogfish is an eye opener; they might well be brothers – a comparison I’d find flattering if it were applied to my bottles.

Bootlegger has certainly improved in my book (people always say that….well….I have a book…and you’re in it, Bootlegger) whether it’s in my head or my glass, I’m not sure. Either way, I’m not complaining and will likely use the local flavor as a reference point for my next batch of home-brew. Just a little stronger, a little more nutty and a little-tiny bit less hoppy at the nose, and you’d have a winning home-brew in my eyes.

Regarding the Freestyle Wheat (or American Lager-Wit-Frankenbrew ): I know a few people who drink it during the summer, but it’s not my thing. The Independence Pale has a fantastic cannon on it’s label and packs a respectable taste. However, I’ve got my eyes peeled for their forthcoming Oatmeal Stout! Now that’s a style that works wonders as a winter pre-ride breakfast food!

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