The Grand Seduction (2013) is a charming Canadian movie that centres on a small Newfoundland village and its attempts to lure a doctor to take up permanent residence in the community. It is a funny, heartwarming tale that combines pathos with amiability. Whether it is my time spent in Newfoundland, or my affinity for small town life, this movie speaks to me. It walks a very fine line, balancing serious subject matter with wit and wordplay. Like The Grand Seduction (2013), The Grand Subduction from Alley Kat Brewing Company knows how to draw its audience in. This is a superbly balanced ale that deftly manoeuvres the line between roast malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Part of Alley Kat’s Back Alley Brews, The Grand Subduction is a limited run brew, which you should grab as soon as you can.
Appearance: The beer pours a deep brown colour and develops three fingers of lasting, creamy head. A nice layer of lacing is left on the glass as I greedily imbibe.
Aroma: The Cascade hops in the ale provide a citric aroma. You are introduced to scents of grapefruit and lemon, followed up by earth and pine aromas that reminds you of camping. The roast malt come through on the nose. This is a beer for the outdoors and drinking it puts me in the mood for a hike.
Taste: Again the American hops are the star of this show. Grapefruit and other citrus flavours are first out of the gate, with resinous pine following. The 64 IBU is tempered with bready roast malt sweetness in such a way to entice you to take another gulp – and I am more than willing to give in to that suggestion.
Mouthfeel: This is a velvety, medium bodied ale that has a creamy level of carbonation. There is a dry, long-lasting finish that continues to invite you back for more.
Overall: While The Grand Seduction (2013) makes a connection with the audience though small town charm and sincerity, Alley Kat connects through American hops and roasted malt. Each gulp of this beer invokes the the need for another taste and if that’s not the sign of a good beer, I don’t know what is.
The Lager Blogger 