Holy Mackerel Special Golden Ale

Gordash Brewing Co.
Melbourne, FL

Available: FL, NC, PA

Company founder Robert Gordash was the 1996 winner of the Samuel Adams World Homebrew Contest for his special English bitter. He formed his brewing company this year.

ABV: 8.5
ABW: 6.8
Color: 6.3
Bitterness: 24
Original Gravity: 1077

I’m not sure what the promised “Florida twist” to this beer is, but there’s plenty to like about it even without visions of the Sunshine State dancing in my head. Deep gold in color with a ton of fruit in the nose—like fresh peach, apricot, yellow plum, mango—it has a sweet body that starts a bit sugary but develops more hops and alcohol balance in the middle. Along the way, there is light spice and lots of fruitiness, along with what seems to be a vanilla note or two, before a mildly alcoholic finish. Save this one for Aunt Mabel’s peach cobbler.
- Stephen Beaumont

Fruity, earthy, substantial strong ale with overtones of Belgian beer yeast. A bit spicy and banana-like, but not overdone. Heavy body with alcohol punch. Complex. Malty. Mild to no hop character. Sipping this brew with garlic accented sausage, pickles (I’m in the mood for pickles at the moment), medium aged cheeses and your favorite olives. Yum. Who needs dinner?
- Charlie Papazian

Stephen Beaumont
Once described as “beerdom's Brillat-Savarin,” Stephen Beaumont is the author of five books and countless articles on beer, spirits, food, travel, and how it all goes together.

Charlie Papazian
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.

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