Beer Cheer 27: Williams Bros.' Grozet
In brazen retaliation against St. Patrick's Day (retaliation initiated thanks to the trashy master's level students who share my office) Tonight I tried William Brother's Brewing Company's (Scotland) Grozet Ale. Touted as a gooseberry ale devised from 16th century recipes and loved by 19th century high society, grozet is a mild-manner brew with one of the most pleasant, creamy-sweet aftertastes I've encountered in an ale. Pouring with a very clear, golden liquid and quite scant head, the ale introduces itself with only the weakest of scents. Sipping the brew initiates a very smooth body, initially buttery in flavor, which soon fades into a sharper note of berries (perhaps raspberry and blueberry). The bolder flavors are quite fleeting, and these fade into a much more subtle taste of wheat bread and honey, perhaps with a hint of cream. I am not impressed with Grozet Ale, but am not at all disappointed. This would make a good dessert beer for its sweeter notes and mild character. Otherwise, it's worth a try provided the price is right. I'd definitely buy it again given a price tag of $10 or under for a six-pack or $2 to 3-ish per bottle at a higher-end shop.