What a wonderful day for Oklahoma beer culture. The Barrels and Mash crew made a small circuit of OKC breweries to celebrate the first day of SB 424 taking effect. First up we visited Roughtail in Midwest City where a long line of thirsty drinkers braved intermittent rain to sample their brewery only offerings. News Channel 5 was on the scene, and eagle eyed Barrels and Mash fans may have noticed your humble reporter in the background, standing in line directly in front of the door. I’m the guy in the black button up shirt and messy hair looking anxiously towards the bar.
It was a great event, and well attended, with two brewery-only offerings available by the glass, for growler fills and in 16 oz cans for takeaway. Let that wash over you: By the glass and growler fills. Everyone was having a good time, the hardworking brewery employees were handling the onslaught admirably and Oklahoma is finally able to buy full strength beer at the brewery like decent people!
Paternalism is an IPA available only at the brewery on draft, for growler fills and in 16 oz cans. I tried the draft and the cans, and honestly thought the can was more crisp and tasted fresher. On with the review.
Company: Roughtail Brewing Co.
Location: Midwest City, OK
ABV: 6.9%
IBUs: 40
Style/Description: American India Pale Ale
Price: $12.00 per 16 oz. 4 pack at the brewery
Appearance: Lightly cloudy copper pour, nice fluffy tight head and sticky, lightly clinging lace.
Nose: Nice tropical hop aroma, mangoes and peaches. Some mild resins and dankness, though the fruits and citrus shines through.
Taste: Plenty of citrus flavor on the front, oranges and grapefruit. Some bitterness and pine balance out some of the sweet fruits, but the juicy tropical flavors are the star here. Some grassy herbaceous and spicy notes under the fruit, with some bitter orange peel and a hint of lemon zest. I get some sweet basil and maybe even a little parsley, unexpected but interesting and tasty.
Finish: Crisp and clean finish, with some of the more bitter of the grapefruit notes lingering on the palate, with light spicy hops.
Overall: An very nice juicy IPA that we have come to expect from Roughtail. A welcomed orange juice bomb to inaugurate SB 424 and a nice beer to celebrate breweries gaining the ability to sell their own brews on site. Run by the brewery and pick up a four pack or two.
Rating: 4.0/5