I took a trip out to Allentown last week and met with someone for lunch at Fegley's Brew Works. Seated within arm's length of a row of brite tanks, and with a food menu fit to match the beers on tap, the experience was delightful. I did a flight of six tasters, and took two crowlers of my favorites to-go. I'll touch briefly on each:
Amber Lager: One of Fegley's flagship beers, the Amber Lager was fairly disappointing, particularly when compared to the seasonal and specialty beers that were available. Billed as having an aroma of bread crusts and dried fruits, with toasty malts to back up the light hop bitterness, I vote this one a solid "meh." Skip this one for Fegley's other offerings. 2.5/5.
My Milkshake Brings all the Hops to the Yard: Fegley's current NEIPA, My Milkshake has Chinook & Cascade hops in the whirlpool with a dry hop of Simcoe and Eldorado Hops. A solid offering which nonetheless did not blow me away, I probably wouldn't seek this one out - but I would drink it again. 3.5/5.
Devil's Hearth: This is Fegley's Belgian Style Tripel "with an American Twist." I don't like Belgian style beers. I don't like tripels. But I've been trying to expand my palate, so I figured, what the heck. With the phenolics typical of a Belgian style beer, and some added rye for spice, Devil's Hearth was a nice surprise. 3/5.
Rude Elf's Reserve: I know I just finished observing that I don't like Belgian style beers, and I know the Rude Elf is a Belgian style "holiday ale," but I rather enjoyed this one. Spices, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, this beer hit all the right notes for a wintertime beer. A crowler followed me home, and a more thorough review will follow. 4/5.
Steelworker's Stout: I'm a sucker for oatmeal stouts, especially when the temperature drops. Steelworker's was a solid example, deep brown with an inviting creamy head and nicely roasted malts. 3.5/5.
Bourbon Barrel Insidious: Tipping the scales at 9% ABV, the Insidious Imperial Stout was an inky sipper that did not disappoint. Dripping with booziness and with long legs to match, this was the perfect compliment to Fegley's porter cheesecake. I knew from the very first sip that I'd be taking a crowler of this one as well. 4.5/5.
A noted trend among smaller breweries, I recommend skipping Fegley's flagships (the year-rounders like Amber and Steelworker's) and going straight for the more interesting offerings - and the braised short ribs. You don't be disappointed.
