During my recent visit to Washington D.C. for the All-Star game, I found myself in a beer store and nearly stumbled over a display of Earned Run Ale by Devils Backbone Brewing Company. Thankfully I both simultaneously avoided knocking over dozens of beer cans and grabbed a few 4-packs to sample.
Due to the obvious Washington Nationals and baseball theme, plus the fact we proudly support local breweries, I figured we should re-introduce a recurring column and scout this beer. Using a modified 20-80 scouting scale, Mrs. NatsGM and I held a beer tasting in order to properly evaluate this brew. Below are our grades and scouting notes on the session pale ale.
1) Marketing & Presentation
NatsGM – 70 / Mrs. NatsGM – 80
The presentation begins with the packaging the cans come in, as the box is covered in vibrant red, white and blue colors, including two baseball bats crossing and the curly W logo. It particularly stands out on store shelves and grabs the attention of the shopper. The can looks similar with slight tweaks to the logo and the curly W is more pronounced. We are both huge fans of the artwork and it quickly sells any Nationals’ fan.
2) Appearance & Aroma
NatsGM – 60 / Mrs. NatsGM – 60
It is also touted as one of the wonderful herbal commander levitra http://pharma-bi.com/2011/02/ pills to sexual endurance in men. It discount pfizer viagra can bring down the level of stress and anxiety that may arise because of the low price. The compound is identical of this medicine and so generic cialis online the disorder and its cure is for men. The Agency’s current protection data now includes generic levitra “persistence of erection dysfunction after discontinuation of treatment with as an negative reaction to the drug Propecia”. This ale looks and smells wonderful when poured into a proper glass. It has a very clear, light gold color and is almost see-through. It has a small sized head of white foam and possesses a pleasant, mild aroma of hops and floral notes.
3) Flavor & Taste
NatsGM – 55 / Mrs. NatsGM – 50
We both enjoyed this ale, as it has a light, pleasant and dry taste on the palate. It is slightly bitter like a pale ale and packs quite a punch of flavor on the aftertaste for a session. Considering the light 4.2% alcohol, Earned Run Ale has plenty of taste for any beer drinker.
4) Overall
NatsGM – 65 / Mrs. NatsGM – 60
Both Mrs. NatsGM and I agree this is a high quality and tasty offering from Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company. I recommend it as a perfect option for a craft beer snob drinker who does not want to over-indulge. It’s a perfect “sipping” beer on a hot summer day while watching a ballgame. I will warn that it is quite dry and mimics a traditionally stronger pale ale, so it will not necessarily appeal to the non-craft beer drinker.
It comes packaged in four 16 ounce cans and costs about $7.50 per 4-pack. Considering the unique artwork, superior taste and reasonable price, Earned Run Ale is a worthwhile purchase. And if there is a Washington Nationals’ and craft beer fan in your life, this is a perfect gift idea.
Devil’s Backbone sold out to InBev (read that, Budweiser). I will not be drinking that one, or anything else that DB makes.
I can understand that take and appreciate your stance. It’s still a solid beer and with the way this season is going, beer might be our best option… Thanks for reading/responding.
Thanks for this! I’ll keep an eye out. :)
I applied for a marketing job with Devils Backbone a few years ago. Never even got a call back from them, which happens, but that won’t stand in the way of drinking a Nationals beer.
Your piece a few years ago on Peabody Heights’ Old Oriole Park Bohemian put that brewery on the radar for me. I’ve gone to the brewery a few times and even picked up two Old Oriole Park pint glasses for my collection.