Today, after more than six months removed from our last BrewFC match, we prepare for another battle.

This time Nashville’s Southern Grist Brewing Co. enters the ring with their new brew, Hoppy Timbs, to take on Boise, Idaho’s Woodland Empire and their Running on the Spot.

The bout, as usual, will be blindly judged on three categories - Aroma (15 points), Taste (30 points), and Appearance (5 points) - with a possible 50 points up for grabs. The beer with the most points wins. I will not know which beer is which until AFTER I have made my decision.

Let’s look at the tale of the tape.

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Southern Grist is one of Nashville, Tennessee’s best breweries and just three weeks ago they released a brand new beer - Hoppy Timbs. Hoppy Timbs is an Imperial IPA brewed with Mandarina Bavaria, Mosaic, and Nelson Sauvin hops and has a 7.9% ABV. Released on February 8th, a single can set me back $5 but a four pack is $17.

Woodland Empire is making their first appearance on Belt’s Beer Garden and their Running on the Spot gets the nod. This 7% IPA comes from their Mixtape Series and features Cashmere, Citra, Sabro, and Simcoe hops. It was released on January 17th and a single can was $3.50.

And now....

LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!

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Beer 1:

Appearance:

Coppery, orange color with minimal head. Some cloudiness but slightly translucent. Looks to have solid malt base and plethora of hops. 3/5

Aroma:

Somewhat muted aroma. Slight juiciness with a small hop presence. Caramel and bready malts hidden underneath the lemon, grapefruit, and citrus rind hops. Was hoping for more to the smell but it was rather quiet. 11/15

Taste:

Light hop tingle that brings forward some grapefruit, papaya, lemon zest, and citrus rind. Drinks light and easy with a hint of hoppiness. On the finish there is a slightly oily resinous feeling and some light dryness. The brew also sits a tad heavy but it’s still rather tasty. 26/30

Total: 40/50

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Beer 2:

Appearance:

Poured a murky straw color and had some thick white head that never really fades. Super hazy. Looks really inviting. 4/5

Aroma:

Whoa that’s juicy. Flaked wheat and oats hide underneath massive tropical fruit flavors. It’s led by pineapple, mango, and guava. Smells amazing. Close to a perfect score...but not quite. 14/15

Taste:

Starts with a soft and creamy mouthfeel. Flaked grains give it a smoothness while eliminating most of the bitterness. There is a blend of tropical fruit flavors - pineapple, mango, and white wine grapes lead the way. However, the flavors are muted some from the aroma. On the backend, there is a light grapefruit rind but this brew is SOOOOO easy to drink. 28/30

Total: 46/50

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It was a runaway victory for beer #2, dominating with a 46-40 win. And, at 46 points (92%), this beer was the highest rated beer to ever appear on BrewFC - topping Mikerphone’s Say Uhh! (85%) and Wylam’s Us & Them (84.7%).

But which beer was it??

THE WINNER IS.....

SOUTHERN GRIST HOPPY TIMBS

Congrats to SGBC for their dominating victory and amazing beer! If you can find it, go grab some Hoppy Timbs today!!