Beer Review: Stillwater Artisanal Ales Sensory Series Vol. 1: Lower Dens

by Mike Lorenz on Jan 28, 2013 in Beer
Beer Review: Stillwater Artisanal Ales Sensory Series Vol. 1: Lower Dens

Brian Strumke, the mastermind behind Stillwater Artisanal Ales, has no shortage of innovative craft beer ideas. Since beginning his “brewery” (Strumke is a self-described “gypsy brewer”), he has collaborated with numerous other beer makers, both in the U.S. and around the world. To usher in 2013, Strumke has come up with a new concept: the Stillwater Sensory Series, which aligns brewing with visual and audio arts.

The first installment in the series is called Lower Dens, named for the Baltimore band with whom Strumke collaborated to create a multi-media product involving beer, music and video. Inspired by the Lower Dens song In the End is the Beginning, Strumke set out to create a beer he felt matched the sound of the music — which he describes simply as “white light.”

Lower Dens is brewed with hibiscus and appears very similar to a saison, but — as with many Stillwater offerings — is relatively open to interpretation. Poured from an attractive 375-ml. (12.7-oz.) bottle into a tulip glass, the beer resembles Strumke’s description almost perfectly. A robust clean white head sits atop a rose-hued liquid that quite closely resembles a burst of light.

The aroma of Lower Dens is impressively floral, bursting with notes of rose hips. At first sip, the brew follows suit in terms of taste, with touches of hibiscus and rose playing nicely against subtle hints of dark fruits and a light wisp of smoke. Despite being uniquely flavored and complex, this beer does not become overbearing, and is in fact quite refreshing. At a relatively light 6% ABV, Lower Dens makes for very easy drinking.

There’s more to the beer than just the imbibing, however. As part of the multi-media project, the bottle is labeled with a QR code that, when scanned, will take the drinker to an exclusive performance of the namesake song. Stillwater’s Sensory Series is a unique and exciting venture from a brewery that is already one of the most forward-thinking in craft beer, and this first volume is definitely worth trying. Find it at Of Love and Regret, the Stillwater-affiliated pub in Baltimore, or across the country wherever Twelve Percent Imports’ beers are sold.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon has debuted an entirely new label design, has expanded to more states...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 3, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close