Buster Nut Brown Ale (12 oz. bottle)

Item Purchased: Buster Nut Brown Ale (12 oz. bottle)
Location Purchased: Darwin's / 1935 N. Damen / Chicago, IL
Price: $5.00 + tax

Review: Buster Nut Brown Ale is brewed by the Ska Brewing company in Durango, Colorado. Colorado is not a state known for beer, so I suppose they deserve props for brewing beverages that seem to be readily available here in Chicago. Another of Ska Brewing's beers I have tried is their Pinstripe Red Ale, which I found to be flat and unimpressive. I gave the beer the benefit of the doubt, thinking the flatness was due to a bad or old batch.

When I ordered this bottle of Nut Brown Ale, I had no idea that the same company behind Pinstripe was responsible for the beer I was about to taste. I like brown and red ales so I tend to jump at the chance to try one I have never had before. Once I saw the bright eyesore of a label hugging the bottle I was brought, I let out a small groan. Brushing off my negative attitude, I did my best to enter into this new beer experience with an open mind, free of judgment.

At the first sip, I was met with the signature flatness that must be Ska Brewing's calling card. Now I know that my first encounter with the Pinstripe Red Ale wasn't just a fluke. Different establishment. Different brew. Same syrupy liquid and annoying ska themed label. Buster's Nut Brown Ale wouldn't be a horrible beer if it were carbonated a bit more. This reminds me of what would happen if someone opened a beer at lunch and decided to drink it at dinner time. Keep trying, Colorado.

Rating: 1.5 / 5