Beer of the Week: Subtle Variance

From the Beer Writer: It can be hard for some people to share the spotlight, but at Burgeon Beer Co. doing so is woven into the company culture. From the word “go”, Head Brewer Anthony Tallman and his crew have regularly and enthusiastically invited personnel from other breweries to come over and collaborate. This has resulted not only in some great beers but in Burgeon gaining a reputation as one of the friendliest brewing companies in the industry. So it’s no surprise that for tomorrow’s grand opening of Burgeon’s Little Italy satellite tasting room, The Arbor, the company will tap this week’s featured beer, Subtle Variance. That strong pale ale was crafted in collaboration with Faction Brewing. It’s the second time in as many years the duo have come together to birth this decidedly West Coast citrus- and-stone-fruit delight, with this year’s version featuring a higher ABV and revamped hop bill. While Burgeon could have stopped there, they are turning the spotlight further toward their collaborators by offering several of the Bay Area brewery’s beers on tap during the grand opening. It’s quite the gesture. Similarly, Subtle Variance is quite the beer.

From the Brewer: “Subtle Variance is our 6.1% strong pale ale collaboration with Faction Brewing, and it was so well received that we brought it back with a new recipe and hop selection to celebrate the the grand opening of The Arbor. The aroma is inviting with strong citrus rind at the beginning and subtle fresh tree-sap notes on the back end. The tasting experience offers stone fruit, grapefruit and sweet citrus. The mouthfeel is slightly dry with a soft, crisp bitterness that allows the beer to be very drinkable. Subtle Variance is made with two row, golden naked oats and Carafoam, plus Idaho 7, New Zealand Cascade and Amarillo hop varietals. In addition to this collaborative beer, Faction will be our next guest for The Arbor’s Tap Takeover Series for tomorrow’s grand opening, where we will have multiple beers on draft from our friends up north!”—Anthony Tallman, Co-founder & Head Brewer, Burgeon Beer Co.