Epic Ales Terra Saurus & Simple Ale

In order to eventually throw away the various scraps of paper on my desk that have beer notes on them I have to somehow translate the scribbling into writing.  After working through the first half of this sheet previously, today’s entry should be enough to finally send it to the recycling bin.

There are two reasons that I have considered all of these beers from Epic Ales as ones that possibly fall into the Specialty Beer style.  The first is that Cody uses sake yeast for his creations, which does not exactly appear in any of the style guidelines (that I can remember).  The second is that Cody himself did not really have a direct answer when I asked him the styles of we tasted that day.  Though they are at least based in part on a specific style I don’t think they really align directly with one in the end.  That is not a bad thing at all, but I thought I should explain my notes a bit.

For the first of two for today . . .

Brewery: Epic Ales (Seattle, WA)

Name: Terra Saurus

Style: Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer?  Stout?  Specialty Beer (probably)?

ABV: 4.50% (?)

Location: Epic Ales brewery (with Cody) and Seattle Jeff’s apartment

Tasting Notes:

• Brewed with both dried and fresh shitake mushrooms.  Cody says they do affect the head retention (among other things).
• Black . . . really dark, dark brown color.
• Nice roasted aroma with faint notes of sweetness.
• Smooth, with a slight roasted bitterness bite and some sharpness up front that leaves immediately.
• Hint of earthy character.
• Really awesome with the cheese pairing in the tasting room.  The two bring out the best qualities of each and I think the beer is slightly better with the cheese than without.

Epic Ales - Terra Saurus

A beautiful sight.

And now for the second . . .

Brewery: Epic Ales (Seattle, WA)

Name: Simple Ale

Style: American Amber Ale (probably Specialty Beer though)

ABV: 6.00% (?)

Location: Epic Ales brewery (with Cody) and Seattle Jeff’s apartment

Tasting Notes:

• Hazy copper in color with a thick, frothy head that leaves a solid trail.
• A bit of fruit in the aroma . . . apricot? With honey sweetness?
• Lightly sweet with some earthiness.
• Slight bitterness that lasts through to finish.
• Good carbonation with a slightly dry finish.
• Interestingly nice.

Epic Ales - Simple Ale (and a sunset)

Cheers!