Ah, Huntsville. A place I've visited many times throughout my life, yet I haven't actually explored the local scene very much, if at all. Luckily, some of my best friends have recently moved in the area and showed us around town this past weekend. One of the notable places (at least for the sake of this blog) is Campus No. 805!
The old school has been revamped for the use of cool shops and small businesses, and more up my alley, a couple of fantastic breweries. So obviously we had to check them both out!
Numero uno on the list is Yellowhammer Brewing.
Yellowhammer is quite exceptional in the craft brew industry. Its no wonder that head brewer Keith Yager was named Brewmaster of the Year in 2016 at the inaugural Alabama State Beer Championship. A high caliber of brews, and many of them are on tap. (pictured bellow)
My choice, after a few free samples, was Groovy Dan's Groovy IPA.
Among the many IPA's offered, this was the one that really caught me. It features a nice body, with an exceptional amount of hop to it. Overall it is a dry IPA, to my satisfaction. Yet, it retains a smooth finish at the end. Needless to say, I was happy with my choice.
Taylor rates a 3.5 > 5 for this groovy brew.
My wife chose a brew seemingly a bit more fruity, yet still packed a full flavor.
Belgian Pear Pale Ale
This Pale had a very noticeable pear tone, but remained on the safe side of the "wine-cooler status". I would hardly call this fruity though. It had a wonderful array of hop flavor that kept it full bodied, while still feeling light.
Taylor rates a 3 out o' 5
Last on the list is my good friend Tyler's choice. He went with with one the seasonals, the Frankenhammer Belgian Strong Ale.
This brew had a very wonderful "Nutty" scent, and a bold flavor and an almost creamy finish. Upon research, Yellowhammer explains it as a "malty palette that finishes dry with a slight chocolate roast and woody finish."
Taylor gives this a 4 out of 5 (at least for the season...ha.)
Next, we went Straight to Ale... no really...that's the brewery.
The place itself was pretty cool to visit. As you make your way, you pass through where all the magic happens...
...and then you walk in.
Seems to be a typical brewery pub, bright, loud, TV's and music and an array of taps to choose from. But hey! We're with locals remember? They then take us to a secret door, that leads to the "Speak Easy". A dark room with booths, tables, and taps where you can just chill and enjoy the delicious food and brew. I got a flight here obviously.
My choices were the flagship Monkeynaut American IPA, Pumpkin Lilly Flag Pumpkin Milk Stout, He ain't Hefe German Style Hefeweizen, and the Monkeyhot Habenero IPA.
All were exceptional and delicious in their own ways, especially the flagship Monkeynaut. However, the Monkeyhot was something I have never experienced. Essentially its the flagship, just with a bite of habenero. It doesn't burn the mouth, rather it burns in the back of your throat as would a typical bourbon. With the spice, its almost like taking the dregs of a hot toddy and pouring the Monkeynaut right over it. Quite an experience.
My second favorite of the flight was the Pumpkin Milk Stout. As a white girl would say, I just can't even. Dumb hipster jokes aside, this stout was actually light on the whole "PSL" craze that happens this time of year. It had a full body, and a creamy finish, as would any milk stout. The nuttiness of the brew reminded me of coffee, and the pumpkin flavor was definitely a good fit in there.
Notable mention was the Brother Joseph Belgian Dubbel
If you're planning on having an array of brews here, this Dubbel is a perfect start. "It's a gateway into other beers and food" is how my friend Tyler described it as he sipped. It's definitely one to try.
Taylor rates Straight to Ale Brewery a 4.5 out of 5, just to keep them humble.
All in all, the 805 is a great place to chill with friends on a Saturday evening. Plenty of good brews and foods to choose from between the two breweries, and a plethora of activities to join in on throughout the old campus. (like axe throwing)
So if you find yourself in Huntsville, Alabama, defintily stop on in!
