Beer of the Weekend #914: Olde 17

I know St. Patrick’s Day is next weekend, but the four-pack of Olde 17, brewed by the Lion Bridge Brewing Company of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was calling my name.



The color is opaque black. It looks like a proper “pint o’ the black stuff.” A finger of tan, bubbly, buttery head leaves a bubble-spotted skim, thin collar, and short web of lacing stuck to the glass after it dissipates.

The aroma is an enticing blend of dark chocolate and roasted malt reminiscent of coffee. There are also hints of caramel and molasses. Minor notes of black licorice and dark fruit become noticeable as the beer slowly warms to room temperature.

The flavor is roasted goodness. The roasted malt is most prominent at first and a roasted bitterness lingers on the tonsils and taste buds, though it is not as strong while drinking a second pint. It’s balanced by dark chocolate and there are hints of caramel and toasted nuts. The roasted malt continues to dominate as the pint warms. The mouthfeel is creamy and dry.

Fun facts about Olde 17:

• Style: Lion Bridge calls it Irish-style stout.

• Price: $9.99 for a six-pack of 12-ounce cans at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.

• Alcohol content: 4.8 percent ABV.

• Calories: 144 per 12-ounces (estimate). That’s why I love these low-ABV beers ;-).

• According to the Lion Bridge website, Olde 17 is the official beer of the Cedar Rapids St. Patrick's Day Parade Society. The parade’s acronym is SaPaDaPaSo, which is quite a tongue twister.

• Speaking of twist, Lion Bridge writes, “This is the classic pub stout you know and love with a twist; Potatoes are added during the brew to increase the dryness and slightly boost the alcohol.”

• I can’t find any information about the name, which is a bummer because I’m curious about it.


The Quiet Man’s grade: A-.

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