I hate warm beer! However, when it comes to Surly’s Bender I’ve modified my convictions. Bender is the darker cousin of Furious. It has a similar fragrance but richer. A similar color but deeper. A similar mouth feel but smoother. It has the Surly unique taste but fruitier than Furious. This is a Furious on steroids! I love it. I’ve notice I’m a dark ale guy so Bender is perfect for me. This beer starts out with the same can claim “Beer for a glass, from a can” but from there things get interesting. A full head of frothy, beige colored suds, a deep rich color and the familiar Surly aroma. I decided to watch football while drinking this baby and found the warmer it got the more pronounced (enhanced) the positive features became. As it warmed up the aroma got stronger. The initial “dryness” (as in wine, sorry to mention the “w” word) became sweeter. The hint of vanilla was easier to detect and best of all it got smoother. By the time it was room temperature it wasn’t too late just better. It still has a bit of an after taste but that didn’t cancel out any of the other qualities.
ABV: 5.1%
Grade: A-
Just saw this is on tap at the Geneva Ale House. I’ll definitely be checking it out.
john…you and I need to tour this brewery. It is in our backyard! I’ve heard good things.
John,
Had this brew last night per your recommendation. Good brew! Had some body, nice oatmeal touch, and great roasted grain flavors. Noel, and I thought it closer to a Porter. Thanks for the review.