Impact Altbier

From the northern reaches of Sudbury, Ontario comes Impact Altbier, a 5.2% ale brewed by the creative minds at Stack Brewing. According to the 473mL can, the name Impact is a reference to "the colossal chunk of fiery rock" that slammed into terra firma 1.8 billion years ago (give or take), creating the Sudbury Basin.

At 5.2%, the old beer isn't terribly strong, but it ain't short on kick either. It's a clear, dark caramel ale, and it pours with a nice, but brief, off-white head. Impact's aroma is malty, nutty, and a touch metallic. It's flavour follows a similar pattern, with nutty and malty occupying the bow and coppery and a touch of bitter trying to man the stern. The mouthfeel of this little ale is smooth and creamy, with just a twist of firmness at the end to keep you on your toes.

Like all of the beer's I've sampled from Stack Brewing, Impact Altbier is a tasty and well-made brew--not exceptional, but always welcome in my fridge.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.