Todd, the assistant brewer from Catawba Valley Brewing Company in Morganton, NC joins us this week in the tasting room! Five beer flight including the new Hyper Monkey Java Stout! Notes from the brewery:

White Zombie (ABV 4.7%)
Hazy golden white in color, our interpretation of a Belgian White (Wit) Ale is brewed with two row barley and unmalted wheat. The appearance is hazy due to the high protein content of the unmalted wheat. The addition of bitter orange peel and freshly ground coriander seed gives this very refreshing, low alcohol beer a wonderfully complex fruity and spicy aroma. The addition of English hops is subtle and detected with the smack of the tounge, which is followed and finished with a delicate slice of bread.

Firewater IPA (ABV 6.4%): A complex cross between an English and American style IPA. Olympic Gold in color, Firewater IPA boasts a unique malt backbone. Along with a hefty amount of two row barley, munich, caramel-40, carapils and a touch of wheat dominate the recipe. Six different hop varieties showcase the best England and the United States has to offer.

Indian Head Red Ale (ABV 5.2%)
Our interpretation of an an Irish Red Ale. Dark ruby in color, this very malt focused beer is achieved from the incorporation of specialty malts such as caramel60, caramel-120 and special B. Four different hop varieties lend a very complex and balanced non-traditional approach to this delicious style of beer.

Brown Bear Ale (ABV 5.0%)
Probably our most delicious malt focused product. The incorporation of four specialty malts such as caramel-60, caramel-120, special B and chocolate create the color of a sun burnt brown bear. Caramel, toffee and chocolate immediately saturate the taste sensations with English hops waiting around until the very end to surprise the palate.

Hyper Monkey Coffee Stout (ABV 6.1%)
With the ability to block out the sun, this stout is black in color and truly opaque. A heaping portion of specialty malts such as caramel-120, chocolate, roast and carapils contribute to a deceivingly thick body with little viscosity. Organic, fair trade Central American coffee is added post fermentation to confuse the consumer into believing that the day is just beginning. You’re welcome.