DuClaw Brewing Misery
The wheatwine is a beer that I have become enamored with over the past year or so. Last year, was a boon for the style — it seemed like I was seeing (and drinking) a new one almost weekly. I love finding out how a brewery interprets the style.
Maryland’s DuClaw Brewing has their own wheatwine that I just recently purchased. Misery is a 10% ABV beer that is anything but miserable. It’s got a bit more of a hoppy character than other wheatwines I’ve had and is not as sweet, but it still turned out to be a pretty tasty brew.
Appearance
Misery pours fairly light in color as the golden liquid sits in the glass with a proud, frothy head.
Aroma
The larger hop presence in the brew gives the wheat character a wonderfully exotic fruit companion. Hints of sweet malts, wheat, alcohol and hoppy citrus all mingle together nicely.
Taste
Misery isn’t as sweet as I had expected for the style, but, man, do I love the more pronounced hop presence in this brew. You obviously get the wheat character, light malt sweetness and a decent helping of boozy alcohol, but the larger hop footprint brings flavors of pineapple and grapefruit to the beer. It’s an interesting mix that works well for the beer, especially as it transitions to the warming finish that carries a slight hop bitterness.
Overall
This is a big beer. The larger alcohol profile isn’t at all hidden amongst the beer’s flavors, making Misery a beer to be enjoyed slowly. Had the higher ABV been a bit more hidden and more drinkable, I’d consider this one hell of a dangerous beer. With the blend of wheat and hops that this beer has the only Misery you’ll experience is the morning after if you’ve decided to enjoy the brew a bit too quickly.
Rating:3.5/5