Fordham Copperhead Ale @ BWI

Appearance: Copper (duh) colored. Translucent.

Smell: Slightly sour smelling, faintest hint of pear.

Taste: This reminds me very much of a hometown favorite, Metropolitan Dynamo Copper Lager, but only about 85% as tasty.

Mouthfeel: Mouthcoating, though not like a cream stout, rather more of a crisp mellowness that washes over the full palate. Think something more along the lines of a cider without the acidity.

Drinkability: Copper ale generally is very drinkable and refreshing. Not nearly as hoppy as IPAs or their ilk, but almost as flavorful. This particular draft seemed slightly skunked, which would be understandable given I was drinking this at the BWI airport bar. However, this is the only sample I've tried, so I can't confirm whether this is how it's meant to taste.

Serving type: Draft

Grade:  B+

Brewer says: "Fordham's flagship beer is our interpretation of the Düsseldorf style Altbier. Its deep copper hue is a result of the caramelized malted barley used. Copperhead is significantly hopped to provide its signature balanced flavor this ale is known for."

Name:  Copperhead Ale

Style: Altbier
Alcohol by Volume: 4.7%
Original Gravity: 12.2 ° Plato

30 IBU

Beer Advocate says:

BA OVERALL B- worthy w/ 57 Reviews

THE BROS N/A no reviews; yet! send 'em beer »

rAvg: 3.4 High: A / 4.45 Low: D- / 1.9 pDev: 16.47%

Goose Island Demolition

Appearance: Medium dark, cloudy.

Smell: Chocolate stout type aroma, eventually giving way to overt strong ale.

Taste: Initially very forward and assertive makes you think this is no smooth ale. Initial chocolate notes eventually give way to mild smoothness. Dark amber belies the subtle taste.

Mouthfeel: Almost a complete transformation from deep mouthfeel to only the tiniest hint of bitterness. Leaving the bottle open for a bit before pouring the second glass gives off a far stronger ale feeling, and a deeper throaty alcohol burn.

Drinkability: It's not what was expected but is fantastic. Goose Island refers to this as a "Belgian style golden ale" but I find that description misleading. This special edition, limited release beer was brewed "to honor the brave souls who kept our brewpub open in the early 90’s while wrecking balls tore down the mall around us. Dry and smooth, with a grassy, citrus aroma and honey malt middle." In reality, it's somewhere between a Belgian strong ale and a chocolate stout. Whatever the description, it's a really fine and unique brew. It doesn't take to breathing very well, though, so upon opening it, drink it immediately.

Serving type: Bottle

Grade:  A- 



Alcohol by Volume: 6.7%
International Bitterness Units: 45
Color: Golden Straw
Hops: Saaz, Chinook
Malts: Pilsen

Beer Advocate says:

BA OVERALL A- excellent w/ 27 Reviews

THE BROS N/A no reviews; yet! send 'em beer »

rAvg: 4.04 High: A+ / 4.85 Low: B- / 3.4 pDev: 7.92%