Review: Big Muddy Brewing Pale Ale

Brewery:  Big Muddy Brewing

Locale:  Murphysboro, IL

Craft Circa:  2009

Style:  American Pale Ale
ABV:  6%

IBUs:  38

 

Label:  Big fan, and appropriate.  The artwork looks as something you may find on the Mississippi Blues Trail.  Big Muddy makes you think of Muddy Waters as well, and wonder whether Muddy Waters passed through Murphysboro, IL en route to Chicago in the 40’s from Rolling Fork, Mississippi.  Good chance.   

Overall:  Well, it’s Pale Ale.  If you were wondering what a basic pale ale tastes like, this is it.  Or if you were to start home brewing, and wanted to make a batch of pale ale, this would be it.  With other Pale Ales, there are distinctions that set that pale ale a part, no matter how subtle that distinction may be.  This one is very basic, and not enough for me.  I prefer other Pale Ales over this one, but that’s my taste.  

Calling this brew very basic is not necessarily a bad thing.  Some may prefer that.   However, appreciating pale ales can be a journey in itself similar to the musical journey the blues trail presents.  Much like gaining an appreciation of the blues, you may enjoy Robert Johnson, The King of delta and folk blues.  Born in Hazlehurst, MS, his music is the foundation of Blues today.  Would you call it basic?  Very.  Is that a bad thing?  Absolutely not.  The appreciation that blues music has for his works today is unprecedented and would not be where it is today.  He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame merely on "Early Influence" stature alone in the very first induction ceremony in 1986.

So whether you are beginning your pale ale journey, or appreciate an example of a modest pale ale, grab yourself a bottle.  They sell at a great price, so get ‘em while they’re red hot…

Acquisition:  22 oz. - $5

~gY