Surly Brewing Co. has got to be the bright spot of Brooklyn Center, Mn. This is a Twins Cities suburb that made a decision in the 70s to not redevelop! Ouch! Ever since crime has gone up, commercial businesses have moved out and blight has come in. It’s a mess but it’s got a great brewery. Surly is a beer you have to drive for. Your average liquor store has been on the Surly waiting list for years. We have 4 liquor stores in my town. None carry Surly. The brewery lets a few special places sell this “find” among beers. There a few places around town that serve it on tap but you have to work to get this beer. But it is well worth it (note the review of Surly Darkness 2009).
Furious is curious for a couple reasons. First, it only comes in a pint can. Their motto is “Beer for a glass, from a can”. I was put off a bit in the beginning because of cheapo beers. I got over it on my first sip. Second the aroma is unique. I’ve not been able to describe it until I found this quote “it smells like fresh toasted bread covered in marmalade.” That’s it! I love both so Furious was an instant hit with me. So expect orangish, yeasty smell and taste. Brewed with a blend of American hops and Scottish malt, this crimson ale brings waves of citrus, pine and caramel-toffee. It’s got a nice lacy head on it for show. I’ve rated it lower for a couple reasons. As it goes down it tingles with a slight burn and a bitter finish. The mouth feel is uninteresting and lacks smoothness that I appreciate. Don’t let the B+ discourage you.
ABV: 6.2%
Grade: B+
I asked a bartender for a taste of this last year. I sat there and smelled the 1 oz of beer long enough to definitely get some weird looks. But if my memory serves me correctly, this was the most amazing hop aroma I have ever smelled.
A friend, and fellow PHM, shared a sip of his draft pint with me the other night. Wonderful! I’ll take a beer from a can any day, if it tastes like this.
And you can’t argue with that ill label.
Had a pint of this from the tap last night. It was everything I’d hoped it be. Would drink again and again.
John,
Thank you for the review. I had one of these last night and enjoyed it thoroughly.
B+??? John, you obviously have something against hops! It isn’t a balanced beer, but for us hopheads out here, this brew is the cheese!
Go duke!