7 Most Metal Non-metal Beers
We had so much fun reviewing and brewing metal beer collaborations, we thought we would let the fun continue for another week. Here is our list of 7 non-metal beers we think are pretty damn metal.
Arrogant Bastard--Stone Brewing
Love or hate this one, it is undoubtedly metal. It touts 7.2% ABV and its IBUs are so high they’re classified. It is rumored to be made with large doses of Chinook hops, and that’s believable enough with its resinous, citrus, and bitter as hell flavor. Arrogant Bastard is aggressive and not for the faint of heart. It is something that needs to be worked up to, like some of the best metal music. And that’s why this one deserves to top this list. If you haven’t tried it, DO. Many of those IPAs you couldn’t drink before will suddenly seem quite palatable afterwards.
Rodeo Clown--Karbach Brewing
This one is an aptly named bomb. It feels like getting lifted off the ground by a bull to be put softly to bed, only to wake up with a roaring headache tomorrow. Filled to the brim with 2-Row Pale, Medium and Dark Crystal, Munich, and Biscuit malt, and sealed tight with German Magnum, Amarillo, Citra, Cascade, East Kent Goldings, Hallertau-Mittelfrüh, and Saphir hops. It hardly seems like Karbach could fit all that into a can, but they did, and with great results. It is deep red and forms a nice foamy head. It is packed with malt sweetness with the Crystal and Biscuit malts coming forth in the aroma, followed by Amarillo and Citra hops. It has a noticeable ABV and a pine, citrus, and resinous bitterness that coats the mouth. Plus, it goes great with carrot cake, and what’s not metal about that?
Axis IPA--Real Ale Brewing
Filled with Eureka, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops, and bringing forth 7.1% ABV and 60 IBUs, this IPA tops the list as one of our favorite (and heavy) beers. It is pale gold in color and noticeably unfiltered. It smells of tropical fruit and citrus, and is packed with hop complexity. My favorite notes of it are the berry notes from the mosaic hops. If you find yourself in Texas, this beer is a must have.
Texicali Brown Ale--Freetail Brewing
This is the perfect Brown Ale for IPA lovers, and it’s uniqueness is what landed it on this list. It has a forward hoppiness from US Crystal hops that will be admired by IPA fans, and a unique malt bill of American 2-row, Vienna malts, UK Caramel, Chocolate, and Roast malts (freetailbrewing.com) that Brown ale fans will appreciate. It is a little lighter in color than most brown ales (probably from the Vienna malt) and it is as hoppy as can be with pleasant floral and woody notes. And it has a pretty high alcohol content (6.5%), giving it a nice kick of 210 pride.
The Imperial Texan--Martin House Brewing
A DOUBLE red DOUBLE IPA touting 9.0% ABV and 100 IBUs, this renegade brew was designed to walk the arroyos and chaparrals alone. It is dense, strong, gritty, and fitting of the Imperial Texan name, and it is about as metal as a beer can be. It is orange-red in color and slightly hazy with a great head formation. It is surprisingly lively and floral on the nose and intensely bitter on the tongue. It has a lighter finish after the rush of pine and citrus and it ends with a kick of roasted red ale and a high ABV. Be careful with this one.
Commissar Russian Imperial Stout--Real Ale Brewing
Another banger from Real Ale brewing, this is an Imperial Bomber-style Stout with some serious power. But with 9.5%ABV and 75 IBUs it is smooth decadence that goes down like a chocolate lava cake after a steak dinner. It is a great example of controlled excessiveness in the hands of a great brewer. It pours like syrup and is dark as night. It smells of a dark chocolate truffle and finishes with dry chocolate that lingers pleasantly. A true stout that is worth the money.
Rum Barrel Porter--The Brew family kitchen
Yes, it’s a little arrogant to put my own homebrew on this list, but it wouldn’t be here if it didn’t deserve to be. It is loaded with dark malts, notes of oak, and a warm rum kick to challenge any winter day. It was fun to brew and even more fun to drink. It is nearly opaque black and malty sweet, with just a hint of rum swimming around on the back of oak smokiness. None of the ingredients overpower the others, but all are powerful in their own right. A great homebrew experience and a great metal beer. Read more about the recipe below.
Honorable Mentions:
It wouldn’t be right to leave these ones off the stage. Give them a try if you see them on the shelf. You won’t be disappointed.
Highboy Space Case--(512) Brewing
S.O.B. Coffee Stout--Epic Brewing Co.
Mosaic IPA--Community Brewing Co.
Cheers,
Mr. Brew
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Rum Barrel Porter Homebrew Recipe