Dark brownish appearance, rich cream head, and chocolate liqueur aroma welcome hop-fizzed mocha dusting, nutty caramel malting, and maple-molasses conflux of medium-bodied autumnal ale. Finish may be thin but lingered aftertaste retains smoked chocolate ambiance. Arguably Long Trail’s finest brew (excepting their newer ‘big brews’).
All posts by John Fortunato
LONG TRAIL BLACKBEARY WHEAT ALE
Though label’s picturesque bears on a brightly colored windowpane in a grapevine setting is a hoot, this is ultimately ineffective as either wheat ale or crossover blackberry-fermented fruity ale. Washed-out phenolic citrus astringency and solvent-like acidity diminish expectations of palest club soda-like spritzer. It simply doesn’t deliver what’s promised.
LONG TRAIL ALE
Supposed German-styled altbier needs better distinction. Closer to a mainstream-bound amber ale, its rich malted grain influence, gentle hop-spiced fizz, and crystal clean mountain water freshness cut through citric acidity, retaining moderate-bodied platitude to dainty lemon pith finish.
LONGSHOT MOLASSES COFFEE STOUT
Strong coffee presence and up-front molasses-toffee malts leveled by watery texture unbecoming of rich stout class. Moderate maple creaminess prolongs funky soured mocha finish.
LONGSHOT HAZELNUT BROWN ALE
Strong maple-sapped hazelnut-pecan harmony distinguishes wonderful full-bodied amber-hued brew. Its peculiarities work for it instead of against it. Perhaps its creamy vanilla finish separates this from all other nut-related competitors. Bitter fruit, mineral grains, and butternut perfectly accessorize sugary caramel sweetness. Not only an excellent dessert drink, but world class in distinction, originality, and most importantly, flavor. It’s a shame this home-brewed award winner went the way of the dinosaur in 2001.
LONGSHORE TARGET ROCK ALE
Cloudy brown-hued barley-roasted ale with delicate mocha outlining butterscotch, caramel, dried cocoa, and pale honey swatch. Yeast-thick barleywine overtones modulate dry finish. Brewery defunct: 2000.
LONGSHORE ROUGH RIDER BROWN ALE
A tad complex for brown ale class; closer stylistically to smoked Scotch ale. Creamy caramel malt pleasantry stands out above roasted barley initiation and nutty dry-hopped char. Burnt coffee finish enriches fine hearty treat. Brewery defunct: 2000.
(LONGSHORE) PFISH TAILE PAILE ALE
Closer to light-bodied India Pale Ale than dry ‘paile’ ale, this goes down easy thanks to crisp water consistency, pleasant malt sweetness, and tingling hop bitterness. But lack of distinction deters off-dry finish. Brewery defunct: 2000.
(OLDE WYNDHAM) LONG GREY LINE LAGER
Okay pale-toned earthen-grained sour milk-wafted sedation gains peculiar ginger ale dryness ahead of prominent sourdough funk, but as musty yeast heft subsides, little else shines through at watery sugar-sweetened finish. Couldn’t find label so used brewers’ Frog ‘N Hound Cream Ale as reference. Brewery defunct: 2003.
LONETREE SUNSET RED ALE
Lusty ale has what Lonetree proudly proclaims ‘sweet, malt-y character.’ And ’tis true, this foam-ridden brownish-red ale backs its syrupy yeast sinew with sappy maple and chewy caramel malting. A very filling and welcome after dinner drink.
LONETREE COUNTRY CREAM ALE
Worthy light-bodied amber-clouded delight with solid head retention, smooth barley-hop confluence, and clean mocha-caramel malting. Arguably the best cream ale on the market for a short time. Brewery defunct: 2002.
LONE STAR LIGHT LAGER
Sweet-grained foreground and sour malt ebb compromise sugary finish. Unlike lesser rivals Bud-Coors-Miller ‘Lites,’ no nasty chemical preservatives detected.