Naked City Brewing

Naked City Brewing  12Jan2017

A couple of our “Annual Pub Crawls” have included Naked City even before they were known for their own beers. I first tasted Mirror Mirror there on tap before I waded into the local tap list. The brewpub is nominal walking distance from my home, a mere 2 miles, which gives me a chance to burn off a few of the excess calories gained by drinking there. The stagger home is probably a slightly longer distance. On a midweek afternoon, the time I like to drink, the greeting is prompt and friendly.

Getting a good look at the front door is tough with all of the on-street parking

As you approach the front door you can see the beer garden on the left hand (north) side of the building, not an attractive prospect in winter. Once inside you see the bar prominently on your right and restaurant seating to your left. On your extreme right is an opening to additional seating in the event room. The beer list is not plainly evident (I am not known for my keen powers of observation) but a printed beer list is available at every table and is presented promptly when you first sit at the bar. I passed up the tasters (6 x 5 oz.) because they were preset and opted for schooners of three different beers of my own choice. I was presented with a bonus sample as well.

The bar visible from the time you enter the front door with a good view of the wood chairs

Tasting Notes:

The Spy Who Came in for a Kölsch (4.8% ABV): Bready, malty aroma. Clear gold color. Low bitterness, light body, sweet flavor. Hop presence is subdued and is mixed in with the flavor profile. Sweet finish, then gone and ready for another sip. I have had batches with more prominent noble-hop character from the Mt. Hood hops.

The Spy Who Came in for a Kölsch (between the water and the hat). Note the clarity.

Genius Juice IPA (6.0% ABV): Big piney, fruity hop aroma. Murky reddish orange with a pure white head of foam. Sweet, malty, bitter hops matching the aroma. Full body with a bitter sweet finish and lingering hop aroma. The brewers jokingly call it their "Poorly Executed IPA." It’s delicious.

Genius Juice IPA. Note the murk.

Brother Orchid (8.0% ABV): My bonus sample. Tutty fruity aroma and cinnamon (!). Clear, reddish brown appearance. Sweet, smoky, very fruity, and light body all add up to make for an intriguing beer. A well-made beer but not my favorite style.

Brother Orchid sample in the front and Grapes of Wrath to the rear.

Grapes of Wrath (9.8% ABV): Big sour cherry aroma. Opaque black color. Big cherry flavor assaults the tongue with each sip and a pleasant, mild sourness washes it away. The beer is full bodied and the barrel aging has added complexity beyond my description. So good.

Naked City continues to use their small but versatile brew house to create a line-up of continuing beers (such as Kölsch and Orange Blossom Special) and a stream of innovative one-offs. The beers are always well made even if they are not my favorite styles. I can’t report on the food from the extensive menu, but I have enjoyed their soft pretzel many times because it never fails to satisfy. The two mile stagger home was enjoyable for the after taste of the Grapes of Wrath.