June Beer of the Month
Another month, another beer to feature. This month’s beer is special for a few reasons, but perhaps most of all because it was brewed by my friend Dave Shea. Yup, I have no qualms promoting my cronies via this here blog. That Nautical Disaster is worthy of consideration for at least five other reasons doesn’t matter. I’d still be singing its praise if it was complete and utter dreck. So what else is interesting? Well, it’s:
- A Barley Wine released in June, instead of December
- Brewed at Russell Brewing as a prize for winning a homebrew competition
- Has an awesome label created by Dave Shea himself
- Is named after a Tragically Hip song
- By having a name, avoids the name confusion of the last homebrew winning beer
In addition to all those great reasons, Russell has gone to the effort of putting together a big ‘ole list of places where you can find this beer should you want some. I mean, in addition to Dave’s closet. What more could I ask for in a beer?
Okay fine, flavour and alcohol would be nice, too.
Overall, this is a nice hybrid Barley Wine–somewhere between the sweet English style and its hoppier American cousin. I suspect the bitter finish will mellow out with some time in the cellar, but right now it’s drinking very similar to Central City Thor’s Hammer, and damn if that isn’t a compliment. With a bit of time, though, it should start moving towards Howe Sound Woolly Bugger: a big, complex, malty bastard of a beer. I’m not guessing on this one, Dave has been kind enough to periodically update ND’s Uptappd page with tasting notes tracking the declining hops.
Tasting notes:
APPEARANCE Murky dark caramel brown
NOSE Sweet, malty caramel with hints of more complex sugars. Did I get some light red fruit/cotton candy?
TASTE Young barley wine; lots of subtle red fruit esters and earthy yeast sub-tones; needs a few more months to mellow and blend. A bit bitter on the finish.
SHOULD I BUY IT? Do you like Dave? Then buy one to drink and more to age. If you don’t like Dave, then I don’t like you.
Coles notes:
| Brewery | Russell x Dave Shea |
| From | Surrey |
| Name | Nautical Disaster |
| Style | Barley Wine |
| SOA Now | Bronze |
| SOA Potential | Silver |
| Drink | Late 2013 to mid 2014 |
| Should Dave keep brewing commercially? | Yes. How about a run of your double IPA please? |
| Availability | Widely available at LRS (list) |
| Cost | $7-10 per 650ml bottle. |
| Similar BC Beers | Central City Thor’s Hammer, Howe Sound Woolly Bugger |
It’ll get there.