Probably an early version of Oasis Scarab Red, this fine cloudy-hued moderate-bodied ale resonates with thick chocolate malting. But unlike Killian’s (on the cheap, superficial side) and Watney’s (on the expensive, worthwhile side), creamy mocha richness and nutty reminder defy usual red ale luster. A convincing argument could be made for brown ale classification.
All posts by John Fortunato
OASIS PALE ALE
Peppy and hoppy with fresh Rocky Mountain water as its ace in the hole. Spicy-hopped auburn-hued dry body combines fruited malts and mineral grains in straightforward manner. Though lacking specificity and finishing soapy, it gains extra points for being simplistically efficient.
OASIS BROWN ALE
Fresh Rocky Mountain water provides clean, crisp smoothness pleasing to novice drinkers. But confounded aficionados will doubt its organic nature. Sure, there’s promising chocolate aromatics, up-front grain-roasted malting, and full-bodied assuredness, but discernible creamy finish lack.
OAKEN BARREL SNAKE PIT PORTER
Dry mahogany-bodied ruby-glowed English-styled moderation bridges black chocolate-y frontage to acrid walnut-pecan coarseness plus evenly dispersed peat-kindled earthiness, wispy pine-hopped char, and smoked meat reminder. Bitter grape esters counter slimmest milk creaminess near sharp alcoholic finish, heightening deferred black licorice deluge.
OAKEN BARREL RAZZ-WHEAT
Pronounced raspberry waft introduces sagging dry-bodied dusty rose-hued Belgian-styled fruit ale. Muted artificial raspberry flavor barely rises above fizzy nature as perfume-y floral perk, pink grapefruit hint, and rose’ glint fail to overcome minor acidity. Needs better yeast penetration.
OAKEN BARREL GNAW BONE PALE ALE
Spruce-induced almond-biscuit sweetness and sharply citric grapefruit-peach-pineapple verve counterbalance harsh pine needled dry-hopped bitterness swaying rigid alcohol acidity. Spicy floral juniper snipe caresses cracked wheat spine and expansive orange peel finish of hazy amber marvel.
OAKEN BARREL ALABASTER BELGIAN-STYLE WITBIER
Opaque-yellowed white-headed light-bodied Belgian wit retains perfumed lavender-jasmine waft, frail orange-peeled coriander facade, barren lemon-pineapple souring and mushy wheat base. When carbolic intrusion subsides, pallid bubblegum illusion surfaces.
OAK CREEK PALE ALE
Lively pine-hopped aggression embitters sweet caramel malts, floral-spiced red-yellow fruiting, and loud spruce tones for nearly perfect stylistic representative.
OAK CREEK NUT BROWN ALE
Clear tawny reddish dry body complements initial charred wood wisp and blackened hop tryst with resinous Brazil nut-walnut-macadamia midst. Dulled maple malt sweetness fades at weary finish, diminishing nutty cornerstone.
(OAK CREEK) GRAND CANYON RATTLESNAKE LAGER
Is brewery’s name hidden in small print because bland amber-toned medium body tastes like anonymous cheap mainstream fodder? Soured malts, toasted hops, and roasted grains drift aimlessly until barren orange-tangerine notion takes wobbly hold.
OAK CREEK AMBER ALE
Dry cereal grain lightness fizzles to mild hopped chestnut-birch trifle where elegant fruited spicing parlays honeyed caramel finish before going adrift.
NUTFIELD OLD MAN ALE
Pleasantly carbolic boozy-scented medium body maintains chewy caramel malting. Sweet honeyed modesty and delicate English India Pale Ale characteristics (dry hops, smoked barley) provide depth. Brewery defunct: 2009.