Surly Brewing - Furious

I'd like to start things off tonight by saying...I'm sorry.  Ever since Steve and I began this blog, I've promised myself (and Steve) that I would review Surly Furious.  It's my favorite beer and has been for a few years now, so I insisted that I be the one to write about it in our world....of beercraft.  Problem is, it's SO good, that every time I buy it, I end up drinking all of it before I have the chance to write a review.  I'm being completely serious.....EVERY time I've bought a 4-pack of Furious, it's vanished mysteriously, without explanation, before I could review it.  I suspect it went into my belly, but can't be sure...the mystery remains...  yes, I am a Surly fanboy.

Surly Furious is an American IPA, though some would argue that it's an Imperial IPA.  It's a hybrid, red-headed step-child of the IPA family, brewed with scottish malt and a potent blend of American hops.  Surly claims a measly 6.5% ABV, but I have agreed to disagree with them on that stat - I'm convinced it's at least 9%, and I have videos of Steve post-Surly to prove it!  This is a year-round offering (thank God), so the nectar is available all the time, although a 4-pack of pint-sized cans will cost you anywhere from $9-13.  It's put a dent in my wallet over the years (sad face).

This beer looks beautiful - cloudy dark red amber hue with a full fledged 2 inch head that recedes in layers.  The aroma is....have you ever seen the Yogi Bear cartoon?  Whenever a family brings a picnic basket to the park, there is a cartoon aroma-hand that floats to Yogi's nose and entices him to follow.....that same aroma-hand is coming out of this beer and into my nose.  Grapefruit!  Pine!  Orange Zest!  caramel malts?  Maybe a little.  The aroma is a beautiful temptress, enticing me to drink....

The flavor is hoppy.  IT'S.... SO...... HOPPY!  (This is a photo-shopped by my buddy Kasper.  He's talented.)

Big grapefruits take front seat.  Hello Pine, let me find you a seat next to Mr. Grapefruit.  These hop flavors hang around for a while before a wave of caramel malts comes into play - big malt sweetness, big enough to carry the intense hop profile firmly on it's shoulders.   Also a bit of tart pineapple in the background.  The carbonation is medium level - perfect for the texture of the beer, which is generally oily, dry and creamy.

Overall Rating:  I have an obvious bias towards this beer - it's one of my all-time favorites - so none of you should be surprised when I say, this beer is God's nectar.  It holds a special place in my heart.  I don't care where in the world you live, each and every one of you should try this beer.  If it's not available in your state/country, send me an email and I'll be happy to ship you some, perhaps for a trade?