Short’s Brewing Company- The Golden Rule: Do Unto Others…

A few weeks back Wes headed back home to northern Michigan for his Spring Break.  My favorite thing about Wes heading back home, he always brings back some goodies for me to try.  This trip he came back with an assortment of brews from Short’s Brewing Company.  Funny thing about Short’s is that my track record with their beer is so-so but the last one I had (which was Hangin’ Frank) was spectacular.  Hangin’ Frank restored my faith in Short’s and my outlook for trying more brews is rather optimistic.  I had a bit of a hard time deciding between the four he brought me and decided to settle on The Golden Rule as it is an English Style IPA and is brewed with 100% Organic malts and hops.  I’m no hippy but I’m stoked to taste this brew and see if 100% Organic equals 100% Goodness.

Short’s Brewing Company classifies this brew as an English Style India Pale Ale and their website describes The Golden Rule as, “An English style India Pale Ale made with 100% organic malt and hops. English ale yeast and a simple grist bill create this light golden colored brew and provide a template for the discernable hop characteristics of earthy, grassy, and even hay-like flavors that are detected before a bitter finale. Brew unto others as you would have brewed unto you.”  Golden Rule is a Spring seasonal release for Short’s Brewing Company according to their website.

Golden Rule pours a murky golden color with a ¾” eggshell white head.  The aroma is very earthy with hints of citrus hops, grass and some slight woody scents with lemon.

From the minute I popped the top on this brew I knew I was in for something different and unique.  When I poured The Golden Rule, it was an almost muddy waterish golden color that I had never seen in a beer.  I can only assume that it has something to do with the Organic-ness of the brew.  What I am confused with is that I don’t get much of the English-Style IPA taste in this brew and don’t detect the maltyness usually associated with the style.  That being said, I really dig this brew.  It has a really good flavor that is 100% unique and is unlike any IPA I’ve ever had.  The hoppiness of The Golden Rule is great, you get an earthiness flavor as well as a nice citrus hop bite.  Overall, I have to say that The Golden Rule is not just a good rule to follow…it’s also a good brew to swallow!

ABV: 5.0%

Consumed: Mother Earth Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack

Short's Brewing Company- The Golden Rule: Michigan Spring Break Day Three

So my spring break is extra late this year because of Easter being pushed back and I was not able to go snowboarding in Montana. Instead I decided to visit my bro Ryan and is wife Amy in Michigan and check out their new house. It was a great and relaxing weekend and I loved every second of it. Naturally I brought plenty of beer back (about $150 worth) including Bell’s, New Holland, Mt. Pleasant Brewing Company, and of course tons of Short’s. Over the next five days, I am going to review five Shorts Brews in a segment I am calling, “Michigan Spring Break.”

Ok, my parents are hippies. So my mom was pretty excited to call and inform me that Short’s had an Organic Golden Ale. I was just excited to add another brew to my Short’s bounty for the trip home. Golden Rule is well, golden in color. It is hazy lemon/hay hue with a thin and wispy head. The aroma is pure hops with strong notes of pine, flowers and a bazooka blast of citrus.

Wow! Golden Rule snuck up behind me and kicked me it the nuts. I was expected some watered down hippy suds only to find one of the hoppiest beers I have ever tried.  Short’s Golden Rule has a very thin and crisp, almost watery body, that seems to just be there to keep the hops afloat. This beer is a classic case of never judging a book by the cover. If you are a believer of the golden rule then you better brew the boys a Short’s a hoppy tribute because this beer has no peer. If you plan to scale Hop Mountain you better make sure you take this golden shower before you go… wait, that came out wrong.

ABV: 5.0%

Consumed: Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack!