Beer of the Week (5/28-6/3) and North Country Brewing Co.'s Ohio Debut Party

Poster and list of events for Big Tap In Week

As part of Big Tap In Week sponsored by Vintage Estate and Magic Tree, I attended the North Country Brewing Co.'s Official Ohio Launch Party. Tuesday, May 27th marked the first day that North Country was sold in Ohio and it was only available at Magic Tree and Vintage Estate.


   At Magic Tree, the party officially started at 7pm, though people were there early in anticipation. The gong rang, Phil Reda, the owner of VE and MT gave a speech and the launch was underway. Trivia kicked off shortly after, which included some questions about North Country Brewing's history and location (did you know their current location was once a morgue?). The wizards in the kitchen whipped up four specific dishes for the night that combined NC's beer with some of their ingredients. Cans of Slimy Pebble Pils, Bucksnort Stout, Station 33 Firehouse Red and Paleo IPA were all availabe and the Firehouse and Pils were on draft.

Advertisement for North Country's Ohio Launch Party at Magic Tree

Luckily enough for me, this week's Beer of the Week, Station 33 Firehouse Red, was purchased by the guys from North Country, who bought all attendants their first North Country beer that night. This Irish Red Ale (section 81) is their flagship beer and its very tasty. So thanks North Country, I enjoyed the brew:

Station 33 Firehouse Red

Appearance: Dark copper, almost brown with about a finger-width cream head. Lighting was a bit rough, but it appeared a touch hazy.
Aroma: Sweet malts, definite caramel presence, maybe a tinge of booze at the end.
Taste: Mild caramel flavors are the most present part of the taste, though there is also some sweet malt flavor. It finishes with a bitter dryness that leaves the palate begging for another sip. This beer is extremely drinkable.
Mouthfeel: Moderate carbonation, medium-bodied with a long dry, bitter finish
Overall: This is a solid flagship beer for North Country. This is not one of my favorite styles, as it is not overly-complex in flavor or aromas, but this is a sturdy version of the Irish Red Ale. I'd prefer this over the commercially available imports (ie Murphys, Smithwicks) any day. The dry finish is a desirable effect.
3.44

I know a lot of my friends have enjoyed at least one Station 33 at some point.
What do you think? Agree with my rating? Like North Country?
Let me know and let's get one together,

KevBot