Drinking this beer in Galbraith's, it occurred to me how under represented Emerson's is on our BrewNation site. Thinking more, I figure one of the reasons for that is the lack of Emerson's in Auckland. Emerson's is one of New Zealand's oldest and well respected craft breweries. Its standard range is great and is complimented by some also great seasonal and brewer's reserves. Emerson's brews can be easily found on tap in the South Island cities, and in Wellington it is available practically on every corner, flowing like Lion Brown did in years gone by. But  for some unfortunate and unknown reason it does not make an impact in the City of Sails. By my reckoning, it is only regularly on tap at AndrewAndrew. Galbraith's had a permanent Emerson's Pilsner tap for many years, but the Pils has now been replaced at The G with a general guest tap, which is a bit sad but has freed up some space for some great guest beer including some from the Emerson's range. That is where I found this Brownville.

Brownville is a great looking beer (the photo does not do it justice), it pours a rich, deep, exotic creamy brown, with a small but perfectly formed white head. The rich aroma reminds me of Cookies and Cream Ice cream. It also has some more beer-like characters - toast, burnt toffee and a touch of peppery spice. Following the theme the mouth feel is thick and creamy. I have a unsubstantiated theory that it may have been inspired in part by the Humulous - Emerson's Brewer Chris O'Leary's recent Collaboration with Ian at Galbraith's. The taste is biiter-sweet at the start with a subtle round bitter finish. You'd struggle to find a more balanced beer.

Thanks Emerson's. And please send more beer to Auckland.

Emerson's Brewers Reserve Brownville
Original gravity: 1062
Alcohol : 5.8 % vol
Malts : NZ Ale malt, Crystals, Chocolate and Brown
Hops : Fuggles, Cascade, Amarillo
Yeast: American 1056 Ale