Tuesday Night Tasting - Jasper Murdock Alehouse: Whistling Pig Red Ale

Jasper Murdock Alehouse - Whistling Pig Red Ale
Brewed at the Norwich Inn, Norwich VT
5.6% ABV, 1 pt 6 oz

Whistling Pig Red ale pours a gorgeous ruby-amber color, redolent of the season's foliage. There is minimal head and the scent has an initial vanilla note that fades into toasted maltiness. The taste is sweeter than other red ales I have tried but the mild hint of hops creates a nice balance and great drinkability. The carbonation is spot on, not too much but just enough to keep it crisp and bright. It finishes slightly bitter in a way that makes you want to start the whole process over again, from sniff to sip.



I came across this beer while visiting Vermont this weekend. On Saturday, Adam and I met our friend Andy and his Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary for lunch at the Norwich Inn in Norwich VT. Mary had been there several times for lunch, and knowing our penchant for fresh beer, suggested the venue. The pub within the Inn, the Jasper Murdock Alehouse, offers a variety of English style ales all brewed on premesis. In fact the beer is piped from the fermentation vessels in the brewhouse across from the courtyard straight into the tap behind the bar.



That is some fresh beer right there!

To get things started we ordered a sampler and right away I was taken with the Whistling Pig Red Ale which is why I chose to take a bottle home and why I am featuring it today.Now, I don't want to set you up for dissapointment. You won't find this beer at your local package store. You won't be able to order it at your favorite brew pub. For the time being, Jasper Murdock's ales are only available at the Alehouse at the Norwich Inn. But if you find yourself in Windsor County, Vermont it is worth checking out.



Check out the Norwich Inn's January Brewer's Weekend in our upcoming beer events.