Brewery- Braxton
Beer- Storm
ABV- 4.8%
IBU- 17

The storm rolled in, and we rushed into our garage, family and neighbors alike, chased by the coal-black clouds slinging lightening bolts like grinder sparks. Seemed like whatever the day brought, we never strayed far from that garage. It was the hub of our early lives, a haven, the place we learned how to sharpen a mower blade, how to tell the truth, how to help your neighbor. We also learned how to brew beer here. In fact, the Storm you’re holding was first brewed in our garage, during the relentless backlash of Hurricane Sandy. We take immense pride in offering you a cold sip of this golden cream ale, a dream that started in a small garage, and like a storm, grows with unrelenting power.

 

A traditional American lawnmower beer, this golden cream ale features a medium body with a creamy palate feel. The aroma is a balance between subtle corn and malt-like notes with a very slight earthy and spicy hop presence. Pale straw in color with brilliant lightning-like clarity, Storm makes a great session beer being low in alcohol and bitterness, but complete with flavor. However, unlike the typical cream ale, no DMS or harsh corn like aroma is present.

One thing you can say about Cincinnati, is that we have an odd love affair with Cream Ale.  It might be a result of our “little tiny royalty in a bottle” that grew up here… or it might just be that the style is so damn tasty.  I’m not one to apologize for what I drink…I’m certainly never going to be ashamed to tell you that I love Storm.  It seems extremely fitting that this would be the first beer that Braxton offers in canned format, as it was the first all-grain batch that head brewer Evan Rouse brewed when he was starting out.  You might call it a “gateway beer”… you might refer to it as a “lawnmower beer” but I think of it as something different.  It’s a throwback to when beer was just beer, something tasty that you can drink all day while you’re watching a game with your Dad.  This beer makes me feel good about craft beer.  Unpretentious… Unapologetic.  It’s just freaking tasty.

The beer tastes creamy, but not in an overly “corny” way like some cream ales can tend to do, a new go-to in my family for…well… almost any event.  It goes down smooth and easy, almost designed as a go-to style to keep in your fridge for when you just want a beer.  Storm is a must try for fans of the style, and those who think they might not like the style…