Strangeways Brewing Woodbooger
Well, you do learn something new every day, or at least, I did back in late September when I first reviewed this Strangeways Woodbooger. According to some highly, uh, reputable websites on the Internets, a woodbooger is a species of Bigfoot, native to woods of Virginia — specifically the southwest region. I’ve lived in this state for 35+ years (from the Williamsburg area to NoVA) and this is the first time I had ever heard that reference.
Naming a year-round offering after an elusive, mythical beast doesn’t entirely make much sense to me, but then again, it is a pretty killer moniker for this 6% ABV Belgian-style brown ale.
While the brew does have an earthy overall character like it’s namesake, it’s probably not as robust or as full-bodied as it should be. That aside (and a twinge of latent sourness) it’s a pretty decent brew. Hell, if anything else, I learned something new that my brain can file away in the “useless information” drawer along with The Simpsons trivia and other nonsensical items.
Appearance
Woodbooger pours a near-opaque, dark brown in color with a cap of tan foam that disappeared quickly.
Aroma
Burnt caramel, chocolate, light coffee notes, earth and a hint of yeast linger gently.
Taste
This brew has an excellent earthy, yeasty character that carries coffee, caramel and a light burnt char. A moderate sweetness persists throughout as a twang of sourness arrives late in the background. I was expected the beer to be fuller on the lips — it’s a pretty light bodied brew.
Overall
All in all, Woodbooger isn’t a bad brew. I do like the earthy, malty backbone that drives the beer’s flavor, but would prefer a bit more body and “Belgian” character. I’m also not 100% sure on that hint of sourness in the background. Other than that, it and the other three Strangeways products I purchased served as an excellent introduction to the company. Now, if only I could find more up this way.
Rating: 3.5/5
