Wolaver’s Brown Ale

Otter Creek Brewing Co.

Available: ME, NH, CT, MA, VT, RI, NY, NJ, DE, PA, MD, DC, VA, NC, FL, OH, IL, WI, OR, CA, WA, NM

Wolaver’s ales are certified organic by Vermont Organic Farmers, using at least 98% organic ingredients.

ABV: 5.7
ABW: 4.5
Color: 20
Bitterness: 21
Original Gravity: 1056

Nice people, the Wolavers—pioneers of organic brewing. Their brown ale has a tempting russet color and is brewed with pale, caramel, Munich and chocolate malts, with Tettnanger, Hallertauer and Liberty hops—all certified by Vermont Organic Farmers. The beer has a deep nutty, spicy, fruity and floral aroma, with rich chocolate coming through strongly in the mouth, balanced by sweet, juicy malt and tangy hops. The finish is dry with good hop bitterness balancing malt, tart fruit and smooth chocolate. It could accompany creamy white fish or would be a dazzling dessert beer with, say, a chocolate torte.
- Roger Protz

The beer pours with a full copper color and a thick tan head. The aroma shows bread, caramel and an interesting hint of aniseed. The palate is dry with moderate hopping and a hint of fruit. The finish is linear and clean. The beer is well made, but its flavors are very straightforward—I’d personally prefer a bit more roast. Still, this will be a perfectly good beer to have with that bacon cheeseburger.
- 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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