Freedom Rolling is back with another Brew Review, as we take you to three different spots across the country to sample some craft beers. As with this and all other brew reviews, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
We start with a trip east to the city of Hickory, North Carolina, home of Olde Hickory Brewery and their Hefeweizen. A popular unfiltered German style, the pale color and noticeable scent of banana brings an interesting twist to a classic. With the first sip, that smooth yet what and yeast-rich taste will bring a comforting feeling from a very simple yet time-honored brew. If you're not used to the taste or scent of yeast, you may find it to be strong in an unexpected way, so it might throw you a bit. However if you are experiencing a hot summer day in the Carolinas and need a quick cool-down, this just may be the one for you.
Taking a trip out to Kansas City on the Missouri side of the river, we make a stop at Boulevard Brewing Company to try their Space Camper Cosmic India Pale Ale. Mission Control describes a hazy golden color with the typical hop scent one would find with a typical IPA. As the brew comes in for a landing on the palette, the hop taste is strong at the outset but doesn't permeate much further than that, leaving little bitterness in the mouth. Hop lovers may want to ground this particular choice in favor of something a bit stronger, but the average drinker may find this choice takes them to infinity and beyond.
Time to take a trip north to the grand-daddy of craft brewers in Nebraska, Empyrean Brewing Company in Lincoln for what seems to be one of their more interesting offerings, the Long Route Peanut Butter Porter. Coming into the glass in a dark brown color, the scent is reminded of a peanut butter cup one would find on the candy rack at the grocery store checkout. Upon first sip, even behind the typical beer ingredients, you'd think that Reese's came to town to have a hand in this, as lingering for a moment is that calming taste of peanut butter. It's a good reminder of the old days when having a peanut butter cup, and on a colder evening when darker brews are more commonly enjoyed, anyone who has this will feel completely at home.
So the next time you Follow Your Internal Compass to another location, try out some of the brews available. You never know what you're going to find.
Copyright 2021-25 Freedom Rolling.
Logo Image Courtesy Clipartmax.com
United States Image Courtesy Simple Maps