Shed Mountain Ale

Enjoying summer fun and activities associated with it is a tradition in the Lakes Region. Boating, water skiing, swimming, hiking and taking drives on hot days are commonalities. And since we are still in the midst of warm summer temps, we tend to compartmentalize activities with seasons. We don’t usually shift activities but we can be talked into drinking a non-seasonal beer or two. Porters and stouts are usually reserved for the colder months when you don’t mind hiding a few extra pounds under your warm sweater. And lite beers are inherently for summer outside fun. So why am I presenting you with the choice of a non-seasonal beer? Because it is very tasty and worth trying of course! So let’s examine Shed’s Mountain Ale.
The Shed Brewery is located at 793 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT but were originally started in Stowe almost 50 years ago. The building where they began was built in 1830 and blacksmithing was the sole purpose there. Later hard cider was made for local farmers to enjoy and share stories. In 1965, the Shed Restaurant was opened and was the hot spot for the apres-ski culture. On a cold night in 1994, the Shed was lost to fire but was rebuilt a year later to include a seven barrel brewery in Middlebury. With a focus on English-style ales, Shed Mountain Ale was born.
The name Mountain Ale certainly catches your attention and is even referred to as Rugged Brown Ale on the label. At 7.4% alcohol by volume of the 12 oz bottle, there is a mild 35 IBUs or International Bittering Units rating. With these two aspects, you can expect a malty beverage style. Tradition is found within this drink. A tankard of this pub beer might have been served from casks in local taverns in the English countryside.
Pouring Mountain Ale, you’ll find a frothy off-white head wants to take over the glass. Deep ruby clear amber tones appear through the glass in the light. Aromas of malts, maple syrup and bready notes embrace your nose. Tasting your first sip, you are greeted by more malt sweetness without being sugary. Hops are not immediately perceptible in this fuller bodied beer which also hides its ABV very well.
BeerAdvocate.com has officially rated Shed’s Mountain Ale as ‘Very Good’ and awards it an 85 out of 100. Other followers rate it as high as 4.75 out of 5.0. This is one of my go-to beers…
You can find both at Case-n-Keg in Meredith as well as other fine beer providers. Sold year round, the Shed Mountain Ale may also become a year round beer to be enjoyed no matter the season… Cheers!