Family Brown Ale
Country USA (CA) ABV 5.6%
Producer Shmaltz
Price $$ Packaging 12oz/355ml bottle
Characteristics Bitter, malty, roasty

Overview Shmaltz Brewing Company, founded in 1996, makes kosher ales under the He’Brew label and lagers under the Coney Island Brand. The beers were brewed for several years at Anderson Valley before being taken on by Mendocino.

Flavors and aromas Genesis Ale has a malt-toffee nose with caramel, dark dried fruits, and some alcohol (despite a relatively mild 5.6% ABV). There’s some roast grain in the mouth, and more dark sugars and fruits, but also a fair amount of hoppy bitterness. The finish is a bit rough, with alcohol and bitterness competing, and they both outpace the malt. This is still a pretty decent brew that gets away from conventional styles.