Backdraft Brown

Hook and Ladder Brewing Co.
Silver Spring, MD

Available: CT, MD, RI, DE, MA, VA, DC, PA

As a tribute to co-founder Rich Fleischer’s 20 years as a firefighter, the brewery’s “A Penny in Every Pint” program supports local hospital and firefighter burn units.

ABV: 4.5
ABW: 3.6
Color: brown
Bitterness: 24
Original gravity: 1044
Final gravity: 1010
Malts used: two-row pilsner, crystal 120, carapils, black patent
Hops used: Centennial (bittering), Cascade (finishing)

Chocolate anyone? The label says the beer has a “roasted taste” and the overwhelming note on the aroma is chocolate and coffee from highly cured malts. The red/brown beer is an intriguing mix of styles: English mild, Belgian brown and a hint of porter. Cascade hhop bitterness bursts on the tongue and counters any sweetness from the malts, which give a good roasted and dry note. The finish is surprisingly dry and bitter, as the hop character builds and acts a fine balance to the richness of the chocolate and coffee notes.
- Roger Protz

Very dark brown indeed, the beer raises a rocky tan head. The aroma is softly chocolaty and shows a whiff of citrusy hop. On the palate, the beer is quite dry but well-structured, with roast bite outshining the caramel flavors. Not much fruit here, but a clean line driving into a flinty finish. Rather porter-ish, but very drinkable and great with a burger.
- Garrett Oliver

Roger Protz
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Garrett Oliver
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.

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