Feb 12, 2015

Legend Brewing XX Anniversary Imperial Brown Ale

The first Legend Brown Ale I had certainly wasn’t twenty years ago, but I’d venture to say it wasn’t long after that. The beer has always been a capable go-to in the household throughout the years and a favorite of the in-laws, which is why I really love what the brewery has done to celebrate their 20th year in business.

Most breweries would celebrate such a milestone by releasing some barrel-aged monstrosity — a tactic I usually have no problem with. Legend Brewing, however, decided to celebrate the occasion by honoring the beer that put them on the map. Legend Brewing XX Anniversary Imperial Brown Ale is a bigger, bolder version of their flagship beer and it’s an improvement in every regard.

Appearance

The beer pours with a rocky cap of tan foam atop the chestnut colored liquid.

Legend Brewing XX Anniversary Imperial Brown Ale photo

Aroma

Caramel, a nuttiness, light coffee and bready notes fill the nose wonderfully. There is no hint of the 8.4% ABV present.

Taste

This is not an over-the-top beer — it’s just like their standard Brown Ale, but more rich and fuller. The solid malt backbone supports soft cocoa, light coffee, caramel, nuts, bread and a twinge of balancing hop bitterness that tickles the palate. It glides over the tone with excellent smoothness and body as it finishes with a soft warmth late.

Overall

Legend’s Brown Ale has always been and will continue to be the one Virginia beer that makes an appearance in the beer fridge most frequently. it’s just a great, all around beer. I like it a good deal, but you’d certainly hear no complaint from me if this were ever to replace it. Congratulations Legend Brewing on a celebratory beer well brewed.

Rating: 4/5

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