peoples. The Dark Horse taproom was nice; we especially liked the picture of the monkeys brewing, and the Alf doll on one of the bar pillars. Plus, we got to wander into the back and get an impromptu tour from Bryan Wiggs, who is described on the website as a “brewer/hippie.” So all in all, an awesome and eclectic visit to the brewery. And we would like to note for the record: the tap handle for ROD was only slightly phallic. Those two nuts aren’t supposed to be taken as balls. Previously, we’ve tried Double Crooked Tree, Plead the 5th, Fore Smoked Stout, Too Cream Stout, One Oatmeal Stout and Crooked Tree IPA. Oh, and we’d not be 
doing our job if we didn’t mention that Marshall is also home to the world famous Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub. Elli remembers having their cheese spread from her childhood.ROD pours a reddish brown with a minimal head; the nose was a mix between a subtle, slight & bright floral and herbal aroma and a red malt smell—balanced, nuanced, and delicious. The body medium, with some dryness from the herbs and floral components, and had a medium carbonation. Starting with a red ale flavor, ROD also has a light malt biscuit component to the front before moving into a middle characterized by a herbal and floral mélange; while we are not sure about all of the different herbs and flavors, it was subtle, delicate, and well-balanced.
There is an earthy and spicy character towards the end, and the finish is dry, ending rather clean. A nicely balanced beer between the red and herbal components—delicate and subtle, ROD is a study in understatement, one that other beers could learn a lot from. Next time we’re back in Marshall, we’ll be scoring more ROD.Monkeys brewing beer? That’s ridiculous!
From the menu at Dark Horse: “Aphrodisiac herb infused American red ale. Crisp and dry without hop bitterness. Slight herbal flavor & aroma from Rose Hips, Gingko, Hibiscus, Diamiana, and Passion Flower.”
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 10
(5/19/2010)
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