I got a chance to try Ohiobrewtus' EF clone, and it was really great!
Here are my notes:
First, it was overcarbed quite a bit. This was not an issue, as I just poured it and let it settle. I think he told me he was concerned it would lose carbonation in transit (bottled from a keg) so he added a carb tab. It poured with a big tan head but then faded nicely, and left wonderful lacing on the glass. This beer was dark- very dark, with a nice tan head on it. It was very attractive!
Aroma: The first "smell" I get is of roastiness and then some raisin notes. Very balanced aroma- it just smells so good!
Taste: Oh, this was very good. The raisin notes came through, and there was a perfect balance of a hint of chocolate and mild coffee-like roastiness. This beer was full bodied, rich, and flavorful. No real hop flavor noted, no esters, or diacetyl. I really liked this beer!
Mouthfeel: Rich, and almost creamy. Wonderful!
Now, I told Ohiobrewtus that I've had the real Edmund Fitzgerald, and I noticed some differences, so I wouldn't say this is a clone. It's better, actually! The full body works in this beer, as well as a hint of roastiness. I think EF is thinner bodied, without the deep flavor notes and without the roastiness. When we go to the NHBC, I plan on trying his side by side with the "real" EF to see if I'm right.
Thank you, OB, for the chance to try this wonderful beer. It's really a good one!
Here are my notes:
First, it was overcarbed quite a bit. This was not an issue, as I just poured it and let it settle. I think he told me he was concerned it would lose carbonation in transit (bottled from a keg) so he added a carb tab. It poured with a big tan head but then faded nicely, and left wonderful lacing on the glass. This beer was dark- very dark, with a nice tan head on it. It was very attractive!
Aroma: The first "smell" I get is of roastiness and then some raisin notes. Very balanced aroma- it just smells so good!
Taste: Oh, this was very good. The raisin notes came through, and there was a perfect balance of a hint of chocolate and mild coffee-like roastiness. This beer was full bodied, rich, and flavorful. No real hop flavor noted, no esters, or diacetyl. I really liked this beer!
Mouthfeel: Rich, and almost creamy. Wonderful!
Now, I told Ohiobrewtus that I've had the real Edmund Fitzgerald, and I noticed some differences, so I wouldn't say this is a clone. It's better, actually! The full body works in this beer, as well as a hint of roastiness. I think EF is thinner bodied, without the deep flavor notes and without the roastiness. When we go to the NHBC, I plan on trying his side by side with the "real" EF to see if I'm right.
Thank you, OB, for the chance to try this wonderful beer. It's really a good one!