Steelback (I) Bruce County Wild

Aroma: 2 | Appearance: 2 | Mouthfeel: 2 | Flavor: 2 | Overall: 2

Another bad outing by the boys at Steelback. I have to admit...I like the name.....something about Bruce County being wild. (Do the boys in Meaford know they're wild). This beer is your typical pale gold beer with a white head. The aroma is pretty bad, and the taste is pretty grainy.

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 5 | Flavor: 5 | Overall: 5

The second of 3 Steelback swill tubs from my fishing buddy's cooler...this one surprised me and praise where praise is due. This effort could actually qualify as beer, the first such hint of normality from this brewer....and to boot an attempt at a zwickel Pils! Looks like beer in the glass: yeast/protien hazed unfiltered pale gold with an actual cap this time!...didn't last that long but it did form a frothy ring that will actually lightly lace the glass! A triumph of brewing art progress for this brewer! Aroma of actual grains other than corn or stale malt syrup...even as stale as they are, and a light cidery aroma from the suspended yeast and hops ( the first time for a detectable saaz pellet for SBB) The body is a step above their typical watery beers. Carbonation is correct for the style...not fizzy but moderate suspended effervescence that adds to the dry finish. Flavour is palatable with light grains mingling with the hops to leave a surprising but weak citrus/cider impression in the finish, sharp finish that drops off quickly...Then,...wait for it...an actual after taste of malt and hop!!! Congratulations Steelback....IT's A BEER!! ...as mundane as it is...it is drinkable. This is a mile stone...your first beer and the first of your products I did not pour down the sink! HOWEVER This beer comes with a warning: SERVE COLD! as the beer warms it becomes apparent there was no lagering and the familiar harshness of steelback beers shows up.... along with the tell tale corn syrup dextose sweetness...still an adjuct beer but with enough malt and hop character to remain drinkable when served cold.

Aroma: 4 | Appearance: 4 | Mouthfeel: 2 | Flavor: 4 | Overall: 3

Pours a pale golden colour with an average white head, fast dissipation, but decent lace. This one has some sort of very slim carbonation. The smell started off pilsner-like, but then became very close to their Link and Chain, with some floral notes, grain and caramel malts. Watery mouthfeel and flat finish. The taste has some mild apples mixed in with the malts, and corn shows up in the aftertaste. Not too close to a pilsner, but this is a free country. Good luck Bruce.

Aroma: 2 | Appearance: 2 | Mouthfeel: 2 | Flavor: 2 | Overall: 2

This beer was horrible. No head. Very thin colour - almost too pale. And way too sweet. It's like a 5 percent abv version of their Blue Thunder. Stay away, even if you like Steelback. final grade: F- (it's that bad I had to create a new gradation)