SanTan Brewing Company - Part 3: On Tap and Served Cold

Hey there, beer drinkers, Daver here! Welcome back for more craft brews by the good people at the San Tan Brewing Company. This time we've got some offerings from their brewhouse in Chandler, two that are only on tap and their fall seasonal, a real tale from the crypt. And I have to warn ya, boys and girls, it's not pretty. Let's get on with it, here's the Gordo Stout, the Negri Nitron, and Count Hopula.

I don't know, am I supposed to like the grainy, earthy texture to the Gordo Stout? Aromatically it was chocolatey, a good sign at first. The head was thick from the nitrogen infused in the brew, and colored a rich pale mocha. The body itself was a deep dark brown, almost black. There were strong coffee and cocoa notes in the taste, like a dark roasted mocha venti with hardly any sweetener, and it started out just as smooth, not too thick and not watery at all. The finish was dry, but a little too chemical-y that I would guess comes from the nitrogen. And the graininess became more and more pronounced, which personally ruined the experience for me. Would not recommend.

Next up was the Negri Nitron, a black IPA poured from a nitrogen tap. Like the Stout, it had a thick nitrogen-enriched head, and there were notes of coffee and oranges in the bouquet. Body-wise, the hops came through loud and clear, biting with caramel and cream tones to soften it somewhat. The nitrogen aftertaste was present as with the Stout, what the hell is it with nitrogen? Maybe I just don't like beer infused with nitrogen. I wasn't completely dissatisfied, the smoother hops sensation is enough to at least merit a second chance, but I won't go out of my way for another Nitron.

I have to explain, I had the Count Hopula seasonal IPA last August, prior to my visit to the brewhouse, and as a seasonal it'll no doubt be on shelves again in time for Halloween . Consider this a preview! The body is daaaaark, a deep red with a thick head. It had an intense hoppiness, and it was nearly as rich as a stout in flavor if not in thickness. I tasted some chocolate undertones, but that might be the malt coming through. If you like IPAs then by all means give it a try, it's got a lot to offer. But honestly, the strength of the hop might put off the casual drinker. Still, clever name.

I've heard it said that India Pale Ales in general are an acquired taste, but these nitrogen infused brews?  I can't imagine the palette who would enjoy these. I'm sure there are those who prefer them, but I'm not one of them. 

Worry not, though. This isn't the final summation of my San Tan observations, there's one more entry to go before we conclude this brewery review.