Since the 1950s, the US capitol had lacked a proper brewing presence after the empire of brewer Christian Heurich packed up and shuttered their business. It took two men, lunatics some might say - Brandon Skall & Jeff Hancock - to have the gumption to open up Washington’s brewing legacy once more. Over 50 years since the brewing legend had left, they began making beer, and in 2011 the DC Brau Brewing Co. had kegs rolling to local watering holes. DC Brau uses a combination of American and European styles in their brewing techniques, delivering seven flagship beers and dozens of limited release beers. The dedicated DCB team has shipped beers to Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and now into the frozen Canadian lands. The Public Ale is a flavourful pale ale, balancing fruity hops and sweet caramel malt for a dynamic, delicious brew. Serves well at 8°C and can cellar for up to a year.
Pours a vivid honey-copper colour with a murky body and medium carbonation. A thick head of bubbly foam rests on top and clings to the glass.
A slightly crispy toasted malt mixes with a strong aroma of pine and herbal hop character. The hops also hint at a slightly zesty, lemon aroma around the edges that joins well with the malt sweetness.
A softer flavour than the aroma would lead you to believe - the malt is well balanced and the hops are resinous pine, but they lay back and let the two flavours come together well. Some movement on the hops as it warms on the tongue, getting a touch more flowery in the herbal side of things. Overall, an easier drinking Double IPA that snaps off the taste at the end with gusto.
Double IPA is ripe for a spicy pairing that has some sweetness. A sweet-chili chicken stir fry on fragrant rice would be nice.
Snake Lake & Red Hart The Great Daylight
New England Pale Ale
Sylvan Lake, AB
Retail: $5.99 Club: $4.49