Wednesday afternoon @FreeStateBeer tweeted that they had put C4 and Stormwatch on tap. I knew immediately what I was doing for dinner; I was heading thirty minutes up the road to Lawrence, KS, for dinner and a couple beers. I freely admit that I am a huge Stormwatch (and CDA/Dark IPAs in general) fan, so I was super excited to get another pint of the Stormwatch. FS had also tweeted that they were taking C4 to the Great America Beer Fest, so I was intrigued by trying a double black IPA as well.
The Restaurant
The wait was marginal, about 20 minutes, which isn't bad (especially since we could get a beer at the bar while we waited). Just as an FYI, Free State has a text system where you can give them your mobile phone number and get yourself in the queue. They will text when it's almost time for your party to be seated. I like that system.
Ashley was our server; she didn't seem to like the awkward questions that many guests ask, such as "Which is the better menu item between this and that?" I can't say that I blame her; she doesn't know what the custom is in the mood for or likes. That said, she was attentive and helpful in making selections.
The menu I would characterize as upscale bar food, though with a variety of ethnic menu items. They have the typical burgers, sandwiches and fries, but also have entrees that are Thai, Cajun, Indian, Mexican, and so on, along with beer battered fish and chips. We had beer cheese soup and hummus for an appetizer, and Korean Bolgogi (a daily special) and a turkey bacon foccasia sandwich for our entrees. The Bolgogi was terrific and the sandwich was solid. We didn't have any complaints with the food, and we were able to have something a little bit different.
The prices are very reasonable; 8-12 dollars on average for entrees. There is a steak on the menu, but even that is less than 20 bucks. Plus, the beer isn't expensive, so it's definitely an affordable place to eat and drink.
The atmosphere is not typical for a college town. It was a bit loud, but that's because they tables are packed fairly tightly. They want to maximize the space! It's a clean, well kept restaurant. I certainly appreciate that.
Overall, it's definitely a good place to stop and get something to eat. I have been their previously, and our visit on Wednesday was typical. That said, sometimes the Free State beer is hit and miss for me; I was particularly looking forward to a beer that I knew that I would enjoy.
Stormwatch Ale
On tap, poured into a rinsed glass. Nice fluffy head, nice lacing. Well, you can see for yourself! A deep amber/brown, not overly carbonated. $3.75 a pint.
Aroma was nutty and roasty, with the roasted malts really coming through. Definitely some hop notes mixed in; it wasn't overpowered by the roasted malt.
Starts with roasted malts and then mellows and the citrusy/tart, hoppy, piney, bitter hops come through. The beer finishes bitter, with a combination of bitter from the hops and the roasted malts.
It has a nice mouthfeel, not too watery, not too heavy.
Overall I think it's a very well balanced beer, and it doesn't leave me wishing it was something else or wanting more of anything. Well, that's not exactly true. It makes me want more Stormwatch Ale!
(That's a true story. Stornwatch had gone off their rotation, but every time I had seen a Free State rep or ownner around town, I pleaded for the the beer to make a return. I am happy they brought it back and I hope people drink and enjoy it!)
C4
On tap, I didn't see the glass get rinsed but I assume that it did. 10 oz. pour for $3.75. A fair bit of head; it's a fluffy, carbonated beer. Nice lacing.
Aroma is very, very roasty and very, very piney. Super piney. Almost overwhelmingly piney. Not that it's a bad thing, it's just piney.
The taste starts very piney (imagine that!) and then fades, which is when the roasted malts come rushing to the fore. Wow. Very roasted malts, but no malty sweetness. Once the roasted bitterness starts to fade, the pine comes back. It's funny, there isn't a citrus make-up that I found in the beer-pine, roasted malts, pine. Bitter on bitter on bitter. I'm not bitter.
The beer has a nice mouthfeel. I prefer double IPAs to be a little viscous, and the C4 is. Not too heavy though.
Overall, I am still not quite sure what I make of the beer. I enjoyed it, but it just seemed like it was a little out of whack for my palatte. I would have like a bit of citrus or a bit of malty sweetness to counter the bitterness from the beer. But, that's MY palette. I am very curious what will be said about C4 at the GABF. I would definitely have it again, just to contemplate it more. Definitely an interesting brew.
The overall experience was a plus. We had a good meal and good beer. Sounds like a great night to me, and it was.
