In this beer blog, we are going to sample out Controbersial Ale Aka Hangin’ Frank from Short’s Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on Short’s Brewery, you know the history of this Northwest Michigan craft brewery. If you have not read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, please, read them to get to know this Michigan craft brewery. Controversial Ale comes with a controvasial story behind it. Frank was one of the brewmasters at Short’s Brewery and he was one that came up with the recipe for this American Style IPA. He hung himself and the brewery released the beer with the recipe he came up with. They named it Hangin’ Frank. It recieved a ton of press but not in a good way. It was pulled from the shelves and renamed as this brew as you can see in the above photo. Below is the original label of the beer. Let us get into this brew.
It has a light hazel dark copper to light amber color with a nice white head that disappears over time. The smell has some citrus notes. The taste has a light carbonated citrus notes with a dry hop to slight citrus aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable IPA.
Here is a description from the beer bottle:
A state of prolonged public dispute or debate, usually concerning a matter of opinion. The word was coined from the Latin controversia, as a composite of controversus – “turned in an opposite direction,” from contra – “against” – and vertere – to turn, or versus (see verse), hence, “to turn against.”. Perennial areas of controversy include history, religion, philosophy, politics and beer labels.
Here is a descriation from their website (www.shortsbrewing.com):
ControversiALE, FKA Hangin’ Frank, is a tribute to Simcoe hops. Simcoe hops are extremely sought after and limited, so Short’s is excited to share this brew with Michigan craft beer lovers every spring. The earthy, citrus and pine-laced aroma is instantly delectable. A large amount of toasted grains and high alpha hops form a perfect union that creates the sensation of toasted sourdough covered with grapefruit hop marmalade. While this beer is hopped like IPA, it drinks like Pale Ale. The light, refreshing qualities of this beer make it perfect for springtime.
Here is their website and twitter addresses:
Websie: www.shortsbrewing.com
Twitter: @ShortsBrewing
In closing, I love how this craft brewery honored one of their past late employees. The story of ths beer is amazing and sad. I hope Frank rest in peace. I love how everyone is all about local and Michigan craft beer. I heard it all about it when I lived in Chicago. It is nice and a great idea to support your local business. However, a line needs to be drawn, the product needs to be good. I am not saying beer is bad because it is not. It is a great brew. I just feel it is not as good as everyone in the State of Michigan makes this beer out to be. I just feel because it is made here that means good? It is blind good to some. I like this beer but it is not the best IPA that have ever had. I recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Cheers!
Bill DJ Weiser
Email: djweiser13@comcast.net
Twitter: @djweiser
DJ Weiser 