I was at Boombozz Taphouse [4] in the Highlands last week for their Schlafly Beer fundraiser for the Wings Clinic [5] here locally when my good friend Michael Beckmann, the bar manager there, said that I HAD to try this limited release brew - Hop Toddy. I agreed, but as I sat and finished my Smoked Porter I have to admit I was having some reservations about what I would think of this so-called Hop Toddy. In general I am not a huge fan over overpoweringly hoppy beers and tend to enjoy either the more balanced or malt heavy flavors.
Once the beer arrived at my table the very first thing I noticed about it (even through my allergy induced stuffiness) was the floral, sweet aroma; to me it smelled almost like a bouquet of flowers. The first sip was sweet and I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't "hop smacked" by a violent back hand. I enjoyed the flavors of lemon and honey and the thought popped in my mind that this was a quintessential summer beer; very light and refreshing and sweetened by all the products of a warm sun. Top it off by aging it in bourbon barrels and you have the Hop Toddy.
So far this is a beer shrouded in some mystery to me. Both Beeradvocate.com [6] and Ratebeer.com [7] list the ABV at 9%, but Beeradvocate calls it an American Strong Ale while Ratebeer calls it a Wheat Ale, and there's no mention of it anywhere on the Schlafly website [8]. Whatever it is, this beer will not be for everyone. If you're not a fan of sweeter beers, you might not enjoy this one as much. I can usually enjoy one or two before I have to change things up, which is perfect for this beer since it clocks in at that sneaky 9% ABV. If you can still find it out there I'd suggest giving it a whirl; if nothing else it'll make you think summery thoughts.
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*Writer's Amendment - after hearing from Troika Brodsky, Communications Director with Schlafly, it was brought to my attention that I had completely overlooked the description on their website; so here you go....Schlafly [11] Hop Toddy [11]