Tuesday Tasting: Enegren Brewing Valkyrie

Like any good NFL quarterback, the Hapa’s crew is never surprised.  We know how to roll with the punches and when to call an audible. We were supposed to review Alaskan Brewing Company Barley Wine this week, but over the weekend we had the chance to visit Enegren Brewing Company in Moorpark, CA.  The Enegren team was gracious enough to show us around, talk a little shop, and share samples of their brew with us.  This week we explore their California Altbier called Valkyrie.

Appearance
A finger and a half of light tan head comes to rest on top of a dark brown, mahogany beer.  The brew is slightly hazy and speaks to the natural carbonation method used by Enegren.  A lattice work of lacing clings to the sides of the glass.

Aroma
Sweet malt aromas dominate the nose.  Notes of fresh baked bread, caramel, and a nuttiness all waft up from the glass.  A faint roasted finish does a nice job balancing out the sweetness of the malt.

Taste
Sweetness of the nose is reflected on the tongue: raw almonds, caramel, even a hint of chocolate milk.  The roasted malt has a stronger presence in taste which adds a nice toasted breadyness to the beer.  Very mild hops (29 IBU) round out a sip adding a slight bitter earthiness in the finish.

Mouthfeel
A creamy medium bodied beer.  Natural carbonation is on the light side contributing a nice effervescence to the beer.  Alcohol, at 6.2% ABV, is slightly warming.

Drinkability
A very quaffable, easy drinking beer.  Balance is decidedly in favor of the malt.  Silky smooth.  We hit up a local bar to knock back a few pints of Valkyrie and catch the Texans dominate the Bengals.  When that wasn’t enough we went back to the brewery to grab a growler to take back to San Francisco.  Overall grade for Enegren Brewing Co. Valkyrie: B+

Valkyrie