Have you ever heard of beer with a name as rare as Moose Drool? Don't be fooled by the name — this brown ale has been a hit among craft beer enthusiasts and made headlines for its unusual taste and cheeky branding.
Mainly, Big Sky Brewing Company's Moose Drool Brown Ale, brewed in Montana, is a force to be reckoned with. It has made a name for itself as one of the quintessential brown ales, boasting biscuits and caramel-like notes that provide a perfect level of sweetness balanced with gentle bitterness.
Moose Drool differs from the other brown ales because of its smooth drinkability, which doesn't compromise complexity. A perfect mix of roasted malts, chocolate notes, and caramel undertones makes for a delightful brew that anyone can enjoy. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or getting home from work and need a beer to have while kicking your feet up, Moose Drool is hands down a must-try for anyone sipping on brown ales today. Let’s learn more about this Moose Drool Beer.
The Origins of Moose Drool Brown Ale
Right out of the rugged landscape of Montana in 1995, Big Sky Brewing Company was born with founders Neal Leathers, Bjorn Nabozney, and Brad Robinson. Their vision was straightforward but ambitious: make inventive, easy-drinking craft beers that embodied Montana's independent spirit.
The Story Behind the Iconic Name
"Moose Drool" originated from some serious innovative thinking. While sketching ideas for logos, one founder drew a moose with drool dripping from its mouth. The defiant name stuck, suggesting that sometimes, leaning into those wacky ideas might just be your best marketing trick. The name is iconic in craft beer, giving the brew an immediate leg up.
What began as a humble brown ale brewed in Missoula has become one of America's best-selling brown ales, Moose Drool. Its magic is finding the sweet spot between craft beer complexity and daily drinkability, transforming it from local darling to regional juggernaut.
Flavor Profile & Brewing Process
Even at first glance, the magic of Moose Drool Brown Ale is evident. With a nice, rich mahogany brown color, this beer boasts a creamy, tan head that leaves nice lacing on your glass as it coats it with foam. You sniff again, and the aroma envelops you: toasted malts, soft caramels, dark chocolate, and a hint of brewed coffee. The perfumed blend is sure to leave you wanting more!
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Malts and Hops
When you take a sip, Moose Drool reveals its smooth, nutty malt backbone, the underlying foundation of this beer. As its flavors expand, you taste deep currents of chocolate, toffee, and, at last, a gentle but satisfying maltiness. A faint hint of hops adds just enough bitterness to balance the malt.
What makes it unique?
The Moose Drool brew combines traditional brewing methods and some carefully chosen ingredients. The base of the Moose Drool beer is pale malt, but additional caramel and chocolate malts provide depth and complexity. Tiny amounts of three kinds of hops—Kent Goldings, Liberty, and Willamette—are added so they don’t overpower the beer’s malt flavor.
Traditional ale yeast is pitched at fermentation, providing the trademark clean, smooth finish Moose Drool is known for now. This thoughtful brewing process results in a tasty brown ale that is easy to drink. Whether you’re an aficionado or just looking for something new, Moose Drool will leave an impression you won’t forget.
Food Pairings — What to Enjoy with Moose Drool
Moose Drool Brown Ale's balanced flavor makes it a great pairing with many dishes, where its rich, smooth character will complement your meal. As far as grilled meats go, this brown ale pairs well with BBQ ribs smothered in smoky sauce, slow-smoked brisket, and juicy burgers. These robust options counteract the beer's malt sweetness, balancing all flavor profiles.
The Perfect Companion for a Cozy Night
For nights in, Moose Drool complements comfort foods such as hearty beef stew, roasted root veggies, and mac and cheese made with aged cheddar. These rich and savory comfort foods help tease out the beer's deeper malt notes and add layers of richness that pair incredibly well.
Cheese Pairings That Will Make You Melt
Moose Drool shines in the cheese board department. Match it with sharp aged cheddar, smoked gouda, or nutty aged gruyere. These cheeses add an elegant touch of creaminess that balances with the beer's profile for a snack you won't forget.
Sweet Endings: The Perfect Dessert Pairing
And finally, never forget dessert! The soft character of Moose Drool beer complements sweetener desserts such as dark chocolate brownies, warm caramel bread pudding, or coffee-flavored tiramisu. The beer's residual sweetness pairs well with such desserts, and its clean finish is an impeccable intermediary between bites.
Overall, the malt-forward character of Moose Drool works with smoky, rich, and umami flavors in so many foods that it's a solid partner for all meals and occasions. Logging them as a perfect companion, whether grilling a feast or having a cozy evening at home with a Moose Drool.
Where to Buy & How to Enjoy Moose Drool
Finding Moose Drool Brown Ale is a fun adventure in and of itself. It can typically be found at some liquor shops and craft beer stores, but for the online shopping type, this particular barrel-aged moose drool beer can also be found at some online retailers. Regardless of your experience with this beer style, you owe it to yourself to hunt down a bottle or two of this excellent craft brown ale.
A few minor details go a long way when serving Moose Drool. The recommended serving temperature is a mellow 45–50°F, allowing the full complexity of this beer to shine through. The proper glassware, too, can make all the difference. You want moose drool beer to express its rich aromas and subtle nuances, something best done by a pint glass or an English pub glass.
If you like Moose Drool, you might also want to try other similar-tasting drinks. There are even more great brown ales to consider, including Ale Smith's Nut Brown Ale or Rogue's Hazelnut Brown Ale. These are great ways to expand your craft beer palate for a tasty treat.
Conclusion: Why Moose Drool is a Must-try
With its smooth, malt-flavored profile, flavor notes, and balanced finish, Moose Drool is a perfect treat for all occasions. Whether you are thinking of pairing it with grilled meats, hearty food, or decadent desserts, it is sure to elevate your meal to the next level.
If you’re looking to expand your craft beer collection with unique craft beers, check out our carefully curated selections from a range of world-class brews, or find your next favorite brew at Epicurean Traders at Cortland Avenue, San Francisco.
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