The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Brews to cheer the start of summer
As the weather heats up, cool down with these refreshing craft beers from Georgia.
Discipline Dubbel
Bold Monk Brewing, Atlanta Available at Bold Monk on Saturdays and from CraftCellr online
Profile: Discipline Dubbel is Bold Monk’s take on the classic Belgian style. Brewmaster John “JR” Roberts said it’s brewed with a blend of German Pils malt and Belgian Pale and Abbey malts, along with a blend of amber and dark Belgian Candi sugars, and fermented with a yeast strain from “a famous Trappist brewery in Malle, Belgium.”
The result is a reddish brown ale with a light tan head, aromatic notes of toasted raisin bread, brandy and dark fruit, and a touch of caramel sweetness before a clean, somewhat dry finish. At 7.3% alcohol, it’s a great food beer, which is typical of the style.
Pair with: One classic pairing for Belgian Dubbel is duck with cherry sauce. But Discipline would be equally good with foie gras, beef stew or a big juicy burger topped with blue cheese.
Orpheus Elusory IPA
Orpheus Brewing, Atlanta Available year-round in fourpack 16-ounce cans
Profile: This new core offering from Orpheus was conceived by founder and brewmaster Jason Pellett as a beer to sip on draft at your local bar. But, whatever the occasion, it’s a hazy, double dry-hopped IPA brewed with 2-row barley, malted and flaked wheat, Mosaic, Azacca, Columbus and Comet hops, and British ale yeast.
You won’t be surprised that it pours a cloudy pale yellow — or that the hops give it a fruity character. But, there’s more than that going on. At 6.7% alcohol, it’s certainly less sweet than many similar New England IPAs on the spectrum. It has a pleasing range of aromas and flavors, including citrus, grassy, pine and herbal notes, and a jolt of bitterness in the finish.
Pair with: Pellet recommended pairing the bright and easy-going flavors of Elusory IPA with spicy tacos or Sichuan noodles, but you might like it even with plantbased barbecue.
Los Bravos Mexican Style Lager
Terrapin Beer Co., Athens Available in 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans
Profile: A fan favorite of visitors at the Terrapin Taproom in Atlanta during the Braves baseball season, Los Bravos Mexican Style Lager is described as “a crisp and slightly sweet beer.”
It’s brewed with Pilsner and Vienna malts, plus flaked corn, and a combination of Mount Hood, Saaz and Tettnanger hops. The result is a pale American lager with German roots, and just enough spicy and floral Noble hop aromas and flavors to balance the pleasantly malty sweetness, before a refreshing hint of bitterness in the finish.
Pair with: According to Terrapin, Los Bravos “complements any spicy dish and helps keep any fiesta fueled.” But, beyond the obvious Mexican favorites, it would work well with all kinds of Latin and Asian dishes.
Los Malhechores Mexican Lager
Scofflaw Brewing Co., Atlanta Available in six-pack 16-ounce cans
Profile: Scofflaw’s new Mexican lager has a name that roughly translates to “evildoer.” And, it features an armed outlaw goat on the label. But, this crisp, easy-drinking, 4.2% alcohol beer developed by head brewer Joe McIntyre is not bad in any way.
Brewed with pilsner malt, a bit of corn, Centennial hops, and Mexican lager yeast, it pours a mellow gold, with a firm white head. Malty aromas and flavors are balanced by a hint of hop bitterness, with citrus notes and a touch of corn sweetness in the finish.
Pair with: Mexican lagers are great food beers, and Los Malhechores is no exception. All the Mexican favorites would be easy pairings, including tamales, enchiladas, tostadas, pozole or steak fajitas.