Moroccan Brown Ale

Toronto, Ontario’s Spearhead Brewing Company, makers of the really excellent Hawaiian Style Pale Ale, is also the force behind Moroccan Brown Ale. The 6% alcohol brew is sold in 355mL bottles, packs in a healthy 35 IBUs, and, according to the label (which features a belly dancer), it’s “brewed with raisins, dates, figs and cinnamon”. It calls itself a “Full-flavoured American style brown ale with a Moroccan accent”.

It’s a cloudy, ruddy brown brew, topped with very little tan head, owing to the instruction on the label to pour gently to prevent sediment from infiltrating the pint.  The aroma is rich in dried fruit, but also has some molasses and malt qualities. The flavor is less sweet than I expected. The dried fruit gives some character and sweetness, but this beer compensates with a decent bolt of hoppiness, particularly in the finish, which manages to be fairly dry. The flavor starts malty and features the aforementioned dried fruits. It has a bit of a fruitcake-y vibe.

 

The Moroccan Brown Ale is another example of Spearhead’s willingness to experiment with traditional beer styles. At 6%, this beer doesn’t taste its strength. Even so, it’s so full-bodied that I can’t imagine drinking more than one or two in an evening.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.