Beer of the Weekend #780: Seminiferous Tubloidial Bitternoid

All I do is work work work work work — and this weekend was a testament to that. I painted at my cousin’s house on Friday (between journal sessions in the morning and evening) and Saturday, and on Sunday I helped a friend move — until 11 p.m.

Despite all that, I was able to fill my growler at the Iowa City Brewlab and drink the beer of the weekend: Seminiferous Tubloidial Bitternoid, or STB for short.


The color is medium, hazy amber. A conservative, careful pour produced a pathetic, half-finger of eggshell-gray–colored, bubbly head that leaves spots of bubbles and a bubbly ring around the edge. (Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. More bubbles than Bubbler.) The aroma is a blend of citrus and tropical fruit. There are scents of grapefruit, orange, mango, and pineapple. It is floral and there is a bit of pine. A pleasing bitterness upfront lasts throughout the sip and is complemented by flavors of pine, floral hops, grapefruit, and citrus astringency. There is no tropical fruit at all. A hint of alcohol is noticeable, but it is not distracting. Malt provides a little balance as the beer warms.

Fun facts about STB:

• Style: West Coast IPA.

• Price: $16 for a 64-ounce growler fill at the Iowa City Brewlab.

• Alcohol content: 7.6 percent ABV.

• IBU: 53.

• Wondering about the beer’s name? It is a reference to seminiferous tubules via this
Beavis and Butt-head clip:



• I didn’t work all weekend. On Saturday night we had a block party — and I found out the hard way that STB is not sessionable. A hot evening, too many STBs, and not enough water made for a very rough morning and midday. I know better than to do that to myself.


The Quiet Man’s grade: B.

Popular Posts