Opaque light-bodied amber-hued blonde ale moderates fuzzy carbolic acidity with subtle citrus-cherry sweetness and slim grain trim. Toasted barleymalt continuance fades quick, leaving wee vegetative, herbal, and floral respite to supplant fruited plain.

Rye malts, spicy hops, and heavy yeast sediment inform bottle conditioned limited edition (batch #23 and #44) 1-quart 18-ounce wine-bottled champion honoring beer historian Fred Eckhardt. Peach ambrosia mouthfeel and sweet Scotch insistence usurp honeyed cognac warmth. Chewy molasses undertow, creamy malt elegance, and cookie dough ‘heaviosity’ similar to highly praised Ipswich IPA. Arguably the best and most complex golden ale available.

Label claims it’s Birmingham’s best beer, but unfortunately we’re talkin’ Alabama, not England. Despite flaxen hue, its wafting citric tartness, soured mocha depth, and rousing malted hop splotch position this between lightweight stout and tingly red ale. Unique in approach, though no dominant flavor emerges. Brewery defunct: 2001.

Dark rust-hued brew buttresses perfumed hop aroma, nutty mocha bitterness, and barley-roasted graining with buttery malt perusal, nicking brown ale styling. Only disappointment comes when lingering sweet ‘n’ sour balance dips below shallow watery texture, giving soft finish neutral blandness.