Robin Shepard
Organic Revolution has some nice flavor, but the hoppiness is slow to evolve.
New Glarus Brewmaster Dan Carey confesses the popularity of an organic beer surprised him. Organic Revolution is a relatively new beer for the renowned Wisconsin brewery. Introduced late last summer, it is now offered as a year-round brew. Carey says he developed the recipe to show how "flavorful beer can be made in a responsible way with raw materials." In coming up with Organic Revolution, Carey also admits he wanted to make a true "session" beer, the type of brew that you can enjoy several in one drinking session without feeling full.
What is it? Organic Revolution from New Glarus Brewing Company
Style: The Revolution is an organic, bottle conditioned, pale ale. The pale ale is characteristically lighter in color than the porters and stouts, hence the name. The American Pale Ale (APA) offers a strong emphasis on bitterness that can range from lightly floral to a gritty resin, and it is especially evident in the aromatics within the nose and finish segments of taste. The English Pale Ale features more balance between the malt and hop flavors, but still gives emphasis to bitterness and just not the aggressive citrus-like tones more commonly found in the APA. This is a medium-bodied beer, and serving it very cold will bring out the crisp bitterness.
Background: Organic Revolution is made with organic Hallertau Hops from Germany that are combined with Wisconsin organically malted barley. This beer is bottled conditioned, which means that it continues to ferment in the bottle which naturally carbonates the beer. It also leaves it with a slight cloudiness. Organic Revolution tops off at about 6.2 percent abv and sells for $7-8/six pack.
Tasting notes:
- Aroma: A lightly, but firm floral nose.
- Appearance: Light copper to golden and slightly hazy. A thick, marbled, off-white head.
- Texture: Medium bodied, bubbly and soft.
- Taste: A light malty start that gives way to a bitter background.
- Finish/Aftertaste: Dry hoppiness that lingers, and even builds on the pallet.
Glassware: The basic nonik or English pint glass.
Pairs well with: This beer makes a great companion to fish, and unlike many out-of-control hoppy pale ales its bitterness and mild dryness will match with even delicate fish. My recommendation is matching Organic Revolution with seared tuna accompanied with a Wasabi-butter sauce.
Rating: Three Bottle Openers.
The Consensus: B (good) from Beer Advocate and a 43 from