Unfiltered Legendary Oddity
Today’s review is of an interesting Ontario brew from Muskoka Breweries LEGENDARY ODDITY (no…I’m not shouting). I had this interesting beverage a couple of years ago (it was still being shipped in bottles back then). Now we see it, as with most craft beer these days, in a 473mL can. Feel free to debate the pros and cons of craft cans almost yourselves if you wish. I will save my thoughts for another post. I also had the good fortune of sampling this on tap while having lunch in Napanee at the Waterfront River Pub and Terrace the other day.
Side note: the location is lovely, the Lamb burger was tasty, the service was great and they carry more than a dozen craft beers on tap.
Back to the review.
I was struck by how much this beer reminds me of a German beer called TAP6 Aventinus from Schneider-Weisse. When reading ingredients lists for each there appears to be very little to suggest these should taste similar. (Note to self: Drink more Aventinus and Oddity to be sure) 😉
Here’s the breakdown(WARNING: Beer Geek Info Ahead):
TAP6 Aventinus: Hops: Hallertauer Tradition and Magnum, Malt: 50 % wheat malt, 50 % barley malt from the region of Kelheim, Bottle and keg fermentation, IBU 16, 8.2 % vol. alc., Orig. gravity 18.5 %, Brewed since 1907
Legindary Oddity: Pure Muskoka Water, Heather Tips, Juniper Berries, Sweet Orange Peel Shavings, North American Malts, Noble Hops, Belgian Yeast and Belgian Candi Sugar. ABV: 7.1%
The Oddity has a quickly diminishing, bright white, fluffy head with a lovely light-medium copper colour. Though an unfiltered beer, I was surprised to find this quite clear.
Lacking the hazy turbidity that is often found in an unfiltered ale. The aroma from the malt is lightly nutty, with toffee notes, brown sugar and nutmeg, and a hint of Hefeweizen inspired banana. The bouquet has a moderately noticeable spruce and flower quality. As we examine the taste profile, the Oddity begins moderately sweet with light acidity and bitterness. Moving towards the finish I find the sweetness builds slightly, becoming moderately heavy, while acidity and bitterness remained the same. Mouthfeel is creamy on the palate, with a medium body, finishing with a light alcoholic note.
I think this is a great summer ale for someone looking for something a little different. So if you’re a bit tired of IPAs, Hefeweizen variations and Saison this spring and summer while on the patio see if they have the Legendary Oddity.♦♦♦♦◊
