Jul 24, 2014

Off Color Brewing Scurry

Looking around the Web, Off Color Brewing’s Scurry is usually classified as an altbier, but according to the company it’s based on a Kottbusser. This German style of beer is normally brewed with oats, honey and molasses — which goes against Reinheitsgebot, the German purity law. That may be more detail that necessary, but essentially if you like alts, then you’ll probably dig this slightly sweeter, smoother variety.

Off Color’s Scurry is a 5.3% ABV example of the style that has a good amount of flavor. It’s a fairly malt-forward beer with a smooth body carrying roast notes, earthy honey and lingering molasses notes. It’s not as tasty as the bottle of Troublesome that I reviewed the other day, but still darn enjoyable.

Off Color Brewing Scurry

Appearance

Scurry pours a dark cola in color with a fleeting cap of beige foam.

Aroma

Smooth, earthy honey, burnt caramel, grains, oats, a light char and bready malt fill the nose.

Taste

A roasty forward leads the way with grain and oats. It quickly, but smoothly gives way to lingering molasses and honey. There’s a slight sweetness heading into the semi-dry and lasting finish. this medium bodied brew has a tempered nature and drinking quite easily.

Off Color Brewing Scurry

Overall

I initially cracked this beer open believing it to be an alt — albeit one that didn’t really match the style — so I was a little confused at first with the flavors. Knowing now that it’s a Kottbusser helps the matter, but the flavors of earthy honey and the roast make for a combination that I’m not quite sold on. I’ll be sure to pick up another bottle or two in the future to see if my initial thoughts hold up. Still, it’s always great to try versions of styles I’ve never heard of before.

Rating: 3.5/5

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