Launched at the beginning of 2013, Weird Beard Brew Co. operates from a site near Ealing and produces a number of hop-driven beers alongside classic styles. With the aim to “satisfy, enthuse and be enjoyed by whoever the drinker,” Weird Beard offer a number of core beers as well as some occasional specials and one-off brews that push creative boundaries.
Brewed with the second runnings from their fierce imperial stout – Sadako – Weird Beard Brewing Co. Dark Hopfler is a low ABV beer, at just 2.5 per-cent. When poured, the liquid is dark brown and opaque with a foaming tan head. On the nose, Sadako’s complex malt character is prominent, with hints of oats alongside some honey, coffee, dark chocolate and molasses, while Dark Hopfler is loaded with hops that harbour lingering aromas of pine resin and some soap. What’s most surprising, however, is Dark Hopfler’s medium-full body, complete with a dark roasted malt bitterness and further bitter notes of coffee and dark chocolate, finalised with some very slight sourness and lactose creaminess. Fresh coffee also continues on the relatively oily, medium-bitter finish that lingers and continues to develop on the tongue. A quaffable, easy-drinking dark session beer – Dark Hopfler is definitive proof that beers with low alcohol content needn’t be implausibly lacklustre.
Further information on Weird Beard Brewing Co. can be found here.
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