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Rating: 3.50
Location: Ely, IA
Founded: 2019
Last visited: June 2023
Small, spartan taproom. Huge outdoor patio. The place is a popular stopover for cyclists. There were 12 beers on tap when we visited. Our experience was affected by the large number of flies occupying the taproom. The patio is a far better place to sit.
BEER:
Black Dog S’mores Lager (2.50) – Very dark brown appearance. Presence of s’mores flavoring does not help this beer. Dubbed a Schwarzbier, but the additives change the flavor profile, and not in a good way. Beer tastes more like a vanilla porter.
Blueberry Hill Sour (4.00) – Light amber, slightly hazy appearance. Light bodied and fruity, good Berliner characteristics. Blueberry and lemon shine in this beer.
Helen Wheels Munich Helles (3.50) – Straw colored lager. Somewhat lighter bodied than expected. Low level of hop bitterness. Nice beer to drink, but could be more ambitious.
Jagged Little Pilsner (2.75) – Straw yellow appearance. Lighter bodied, needs more in the grain bill. Decent level of hop bitterness, could use more. Easy to drink, but falls short of the target for this style.
Red House Vienna Lager (2.75) – Amber colored lager. Some evidence of roasted and caramel malts, but body is far too thin for style. Not very hoppy, which is OK.
Summer Breeze Sour Fruited Berliner Weisse (4.50) – Light amber appearance. Fruity character dominates, immediate puckering reaction. Watermelon is a nifty adjunct. Coconut not readily evident.