Local 1

Brimming with brash notes of cardamom, allspice, and ripe banana, Local 1 is yet another monster brew from Garrett Oliver and the folks at Brooklyn Brewery. Brewed in the Belgian strong ale style, Local 1 packs a whopping 9 percent ABV, derived from classic European malts and a judicious dose of Demerara sugar. Yeast-derived phenols are center stage in the aroma, with Tim picking up “light hints of clove, Jamaican allspice, and a whiff of fresh white pepper.” Unrestrainedly hazy yellow and shot through with milky white hints, this brew is capped by a mountainous head of dense, almost custard-like pure white foam. A firm alcohol punch leads off the flavor with spicy phenols and big fruity esters coming in behind. The initial alcohol blast struck Pete as “too hot and aggressive up front,” but he found “soothing hints of green cardamom, Malabar black peppercorns, and sweet rock candy” riding behind the unrestrained booziness. Tom enjoyed the “clean bready malt” and “slightly chewy candi sugar sweetness,” and felt the alcohol “deftly camouflaged.” The spiciness struck Tom as “too aggressive to be truly Belgian,” with big notes of clove and black pepper overtaking the malt in the finish. A solidly crafted, straightforward American interpretation of a powerful Belgian strong ale, Local 1 is perilously drinkable despite its substantial alcohol strength. Enjoy this stunning brew in moderation and proceed with caution.