Rapture Fusion Brown Ale
BREWERY: Rabbit Hole Brewing in Justin (Denton County)
STYLE: Cross between American Brown Ale and English Brown Ale. In general, brown ales are malty with low hops bitterness. American Brown Ales are made with domestic ingredients, and can include some non-traditional additions.
THE PITCH: A silver medal winner at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival, this brown ale includes English specialty grains in the malt bill, making it a fusion of American and English styles. It opens with a nutty, pecan-laced coffee aroma. Lightly carbonated, it has a medium body and a toasted malt core. Coffee and dark toast flavors are prominent; on the back end, a crisp citrus note lifts and brightens the flavors -- think the lemon-peel twist you add to espresso. A deft hand with the Cascade hops balances this malty ale, imparting a touch of bitterness to the clean, dry finish.
FUN FACTS: This is one of Rabbit Hole's three core beers, sold year-round in cans. The brewery's seasonal beers are released on draft, and can be purchased at growler bars. Look for Rude Jester, an American IPA, to hit taps in July.
PAIR IT: The beer makes a good match for burgers, steaks and Mexican food.
GET SOME: Sold in six-packs of 12-ounce cans for about $9.49 at Spec's, Goody Goody, Total Wine, Central Market, Whole Foods, Tom Thumb, and many smaller stores with large selections of craft beer.
Tina Danze
