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Sheep Head Ale

May 1, 2010 Lucan, MN
Reviewers:Charles Finkel - Charlie Papazian

Brau Brothers Brewing Co.
Lucan, MN

Available: MN, SD, ND, IA, WI

Brau Brothers Brewing Co is a small, family owned, independent brewery in a town of 220 people in southwest MN. They grow eleven varieties of hops in their own three-acre hopyard just outside the brewery front door. They also grow 3 acres of 2 Row malting barley that they malt and use for special beers.

ABV: 7.5
ABW: 5.8
Color: 11.7
Bitterness: 70
Original gravity: 1071


Nice reddish-gold, slightly turbid. The nose has a delightful bouquet of grapefruit and raisins. Combined with round, biscuity, toasted cereal flavors, it is breakfast in a glass. Nicely balanced, the finish is warm and satisfying. For Valentine’s brunch, we loved it with a vegetable and cheese frittata, organic hash brown baby russet potatoes, and a bacon and onion quiche. The meal had a romantic climax with artisan white chocolate gelato made with cocoa nibs and double ale.
- Charles Finkel
Bitter beer—that’s all we know from the label. It begs discovery. Healthy vegetal, grainy and corn aroma. Amber. Palate is awakened with hints of caramel, which quickly zigs and zags to stark bitterness. Refreshing bitter amber ale having merit for the long haul. Flavors and aromas expand as beer emerges from deep chill. A beer I’d finish and follow with another.
- Charlie Papazian

Charles Finkel
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

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

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