October 02, 2003
Wailing Wench
I had the good fortune of meeting my brother Al for lunch today at the Blue Tusk 
in Syracuse's Armory Square neighborhood. If you like beer and find yourself in Syracuse, make it a point to get to the Tusk. Their selection, beer knowledge, and atmosphere are the best in town.
They always have at least one hand-pulled draft, and today's selection is the brand-new Wailing Wench from Middle Ages. It's a relatively new, hybrid beer style called Imperial IPA.
The Wench is 7.7 percent alcohol by volume, and according to a recent Syracuse Post-Standard story was made with 20 separate additions of hops (that's a lot of hops).
It was very low in carbonation (thanks to the hand tap) and more balanced and smooth than I would have expected from such a hoppy beer. It made a terrific complement for my roast beef and Stilton sandwich.
It was a great beer and a great lunch, hurt only by the knowledge that the excellent Empire Brewing Company, just across the street, has closed permanently.
Posted by jimj at October 2, 2003 04:35 PM | TrackBack