Robin Shepard
Frozen Tundra Championship Ale was first brewed just prior to the Packers' winning Super Bowl XXXI in 1997.
The west-side brewpub J.T. Whitney's has been around for more than a dozen years and offers a variety of tap and cask conditioned beers. Brewmaster Richard Becker has brewing in his blood, with family ties to the Mahrs Brau Brewing Company of Bamburg, Germany.
Pay close attention when you're there, because this brewpub is a place where you can learn interesting little facts about beer. Many of the large wooden booths offer quotes like one from writer Mickey Spillane, who penned: "Mike Hammer drinks beer because I can't spell cognac." But the favorite saying of beer aficionados is painted on the dining room wall -- the Ben Franklin quote, "Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy!"
What is it? Frozen Tundra Championship Ale from J.T. Whitney's Pub and Brewery
Style: American amber ale -- medium bodied with moderate hoppy bitterness and aroma. Known primarily for its rich copper, brown and amber hues, this style should be balanced with toasted malt flavors and light fruitiness. Sometimes lumped into the red ale category of beers that have been popularized by brewers of the hop-loving Pacific Northwest.
Background: Frozen Tundra Championship Ale was first brewed just prior to the Green Bay Packers' winning Super Bowl XXXI in 1997. The use of American Cascade hops provides firm bitter flavor and floral aroma. This brew won a bronze medal in the 1998 World Beer Championships.
Tasting notes:
- Aroma: Light floral, hints of citrus.
- Appearance: Light copper, slight orange tints. Thick, soft tan head.
- Texture: Medium bodied, modest carbonation.
- Taste: Great balance between malty sweetness and a crisp, citrus, hoppy background.
- Finish/Aftertaste: Hops come out a bit more in the end, but this beer finishes very clean and crisp.
Glassware: The shaker pint glass.
Pairs well with: A great pub-food beer. The crispness of the firm, yet mild, hoppy backbone of this beer is a nice companion that's matched well with fried fish on Fridays, or grilled burgers accented with assertive sharp flavors like blue cheese or smoky barbecue sauce.
Rating: Three Bottle Openers.
(I am using a one to four bottle opener scale: four is a great beer, distinctive, you'll have this over others; three is a beer you enjoy, reliable, close to its described style; two is problematic, lacks distinction, but worth having again; one is a beer that isn't true to its style, you would not recommend it to a friend.)
The Consensus: B+ (very good) from Beer Advocate (with only one review) and a 38 from