Two weeks ago I reviewed Steel Toe's Size 7 IPA. It was, hands down, one of the best IPA's I had ever tasted. I'm simply giddy about the fact that they are within a 10 minute drive from my house. I can't wait to see their beer on tap locally. I know they are going to be a big hit.
The bottle of Dissent I'm reviewing tonight was purchased during the same visit I picked up Size 7. Ever since I reviewed Size 7, this bottle has been staring me down every time I open my beer fridge, just pleading with me to open it. I know, or at least hope, it's as good as my last Steel Toe experience.
Dissent is an extremely dark brew. The light from my lamp doesn't even make it through when I hold my glass up to the bulb. A deep brown foam froths up and hangs around for a while without ever fully receding. The aromas are prominently roasted malt. It reminds me of a big porter or schwarzbier. But the flavor brings me more towards a stout style. Creamy, medium body, slightly high carbonation, roasty flavors with a smooth finish. Now I'm friggen confused. Is it a stout? Porter? Schwarzbier? Santa? Whatever it is, I like it. As it warms further more roasty and dark chocolate characteristics shine through in both the aroma a flavor.
Overall - This was tasty. BUT, not as good as Size 7. Sorry Steel Toe, you set the bar really high with your IPA. I'm not saying Dissent is bad, not by any measure. It's a great beer with plenty of flavor to appease anyone who is looking for a roasty, chocolaty brew. It's not a stout, nor is it a porter. It's a hybrid, and a good one at that. Definitely pick up a bottle if you are a fan of robust porters.
They are definitely a local brewery to keep our eyes on. I have tried, and enjoyed, everything they have on tap so far.
ReplyDeleteThese guys definitely know how to brew a great beer. I had a bottle of Provider last weekend. I drank it so fast that I didn't even have time to review it! I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of Steel Toes entire line-up on tap around the Twin Cities. As I said in my review of Size 7, this brewery could be the first true competitor to Surly since their inception 5 years ago. I can't wait to see how quickly they expand.
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite of the current selection from Steel Toe, but I am not an IPA drinker. Great brews!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments!
ReplyDeleteWere you able to get a growler of Rainmaker last week? I wasn't able to. Hopefully they are able to start releasing it in bottles soon. Rainmaker will be the brew that goes Steel Toe to toe with Surly Furious.