Big Deal and Wee Heavy sound like two Detroit rappers, although I don’t expect to see any rap artists coming out of Sawdust City (Gravenhurst) any time soon. Wee Heavy? Perhaps the term Scotch Ale may be a more recognizable descriptor.
I stopped by Sawdust City while passing through and saw this beer on the shelf with a picture on the can of a few old fellers sitting around the fireplace drinking beer and I could immediately relate. The Big Deal refers to this beer being a collaboration between Sawdust, Muddy York and Brew Culture. A complex partnership to create a complex beer. Heavy on malts, with a wee bit of hops? Long boil is a traditional wee heavy approach.
A cold weather fireplace chat style beer for sure. Clear dark pour with a hint of red (might have been my fireplace reflecting through). Minimal light head, little to no carbonation. Strong aroma, malty and a bit boozy. Not a full mouth feel, more “slick” as you would expect from a high ABV beer. You know when you get a very strong beer but don’t really notice the high ABV % in the taste. Well this isn’t one of those beers. This is a strong beer and isn’t afraid to admit it. Almost too strong? Almost. There is enough alcohol in this can for two beers, maybe that is the frugal Scottish influence, two for the price of one. I am always one for stretching my drinking dollar whenever possible but I don’t drink for effect anymore so it has to taste good too.
It has a malt base which provides a good flavour which underpins and sometimes competes with the strong alcohol content. Complex for sure. For a very strong beer they still managed to have some flavour. Might be a wee bit heavy for some, I enjoyed it but probably won’t take on another again for a while.
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