Drink Up

Jul 1, 2015 at 1:00 am

Grind Line Pale Ale

Griffin Claw Brewing Co. 5% ABV | 35 IBU

At a brewing facility in Birmingham, Griffin Claw Brewing Co. makes some fine beers. They're known for signatures like Norm's Raggedy Ass IPA, El Rojo Red Ale, Grand Trunk Bohemian Pilsner, and their seasonal favorite, Screamin' Pumpkin Ale.

Dan Rogers is the man behind these beers. He spent years honing his skills as far away as Las Vegas and as close to home as Birmingham's Big Rock Chophouse. In 1998 he won a gold medal at the World Beer Championships for his Big Rock Scotch Ale. And he hasn't slowed down since.

Two short years ago Griffin Claw opened its 12,000-square-foot facility, and Rogers has continued to accrue awards. The brewery brought home nine gold medals, six silver, and four bronze for their beers. Grind Line Pale Ale is one of those gold medal winners.

According to the brewery Grind Line gets its name from "equal parts Detroit hockey and Detroit auto making." The ale's flavor comes from perfectly tempered hops and malts, making it an easy choice for those having a hard time deciding what to drink.

Grind Line pours a golden amber, with a dense, foamy head. In the nose, drinkers will detect citrus like grapefruit and lemon zest, along with pine, light caramel, and bread, aromas that translate almost directly to this brew's flavor. With medium carbonation, it's smooth and crisp, devoid of any overwhelming alcohol flavor.