As I’ve mentioned before, hops were not always king when it came to bittering or flavoring a beer.  So, when the William’s Brothers Brewing Company made their “Historic Ales” collection, it was not “historic” in the first-time sense of the word.  It was a blast from the past.  I had actually had all but this one of the five, so I was excited to try it.  Here follows an account of drinking this beer.

A light golden and very active body was immediately evident when I poured the beer.  There was also a very stable head, which I’m sure was kept up by the very bubbly Ale.  Although it is a wheat Ale, and they describe it as being hazy, it was pretty clear at room temp (which is how I drink most beers). 

Nose-wise, Grozet was malty and almost lagerish in its aroma, while having a slight metallic aroma (and taste).  The aroma of Gooseberries was present but not overpowering.  Spicy hops aromas were also present in the smell.

Gooseberries were present in the taste of the beer, but once again, not overpowering.  There was a very slight alcohol quality that could be tasted along with a clovish hint provided by the fact that the beer was wheaty (cloves being commonly noticeable in wheat beers).  I thought the beer was good but nothing “historic.”