-Jim McGlasson, CraftBrewVegas May 14, 2021
The good news is that Tenaya Creek Brewery is open daily for curbside delivery! However, if you are unable to make it there, you will be happy to know that I was able to purchase their Bonanza Brown Ale at an Albertsons near home. This malty Brown Ale proved to be a happy change from the usual big corporate standards usually found in their cold cases. Bonanza Brown Ale is visually appealing with its medium brown color and creamy head. Served ice cold, we did observe a slight chill haze. Its complex flavor profile offered hints of toffee, chocolate, and a slight caramel sweetness. We debated on the herbal note we were detecting ... was it sassafras or horehound? It brought back childhood memories from the drugstore soda fountain and penny candy aisle!
With Bonanza Brown Ale's mild bitterness, caramel overtones, and subtle yeastiness, we decided to do our first tasting with a homemade Blueberry Streusel Coffeecake warm from the oven. Not surprisingly, the ale was a pleasant companion to the warm, sweet bread. As noted on the label, the Brown Ale provided complex flavors of chocolate, sweet bread, and toffee which complimented the warm, buttery flavors of the sweet bread .
Over the next two days, Linda and I tasted Tenaya Creeks' Bonanza Brown Ale with two other meals; first, with a spicy sausage and mushroom pizza with a citrusy Arugula salad, and then with a Taco Salad filled with layers of grilled chicken, fresh corn, black beans, pepper jack cheese and a creamy salsa dressing. In both cases, the Brown Ale provided a nice balance to the strong flavors in the meals.
After enjoying our six pack of Tenaya Creeks' Bonanza Brown Ale I would heartily recommend that you head out in search of your own! Give it a try, and I think you'll like it. I do!
Kommentare