In addition to a steinful of German favorites currently pouring in the Beer Hall, Surly is also tapping a collaboration that we are beyond excited to share with you.
Double Elbow is the brainchild of Niko Tonks, nu-metal superfan and head brewer at Rochester’s Little Thistle Brewing. His Double Elbow imprint focuses on European-style lagers crafted with all American ingredients. We jumped at the chance to work with him on one, and the result is Freak on a Leash, a fiendishly crushable “Korn Lager” that clocks in at 4.4% ABV.
Niko wasn’t the only collaborator on this beer, as we sourced low-oil corn from Riggs Brewery in Urbana, IL, whose co-owner, Darin Riggs, went to brewing school with Surly’s Ben Smith. The barley comes from Troubadour Farms in Fort Collins, CO, and the Montana-grown Saaz hops come from Flathead Valley Farms through Hollingbery and Sons Farms and our friend Juno Choi.
Freak on a Leash pours a clear light straw color with low bitterness and notes of biscuit, fresh hay, and corn chip. It’s on tap now, and while we hope it stays on through our September 20th SurlyFest bash, there’s a non-zero chance we drink it all before then. Stop in this weekend if you want a taste.
