Beer Review #11: Ironhorse Original

I’ve taken the, possibly ill advised, decision to delve back into the world of alarmingly strong lager this week. After a few minutes wandering those aisles of the liquor store that seem to be home to local, colourful, hobo community, I come to a decision: Ironhorse Original.

The sight of a monochrome locomotive rearing towards me from the front of the can certainly grabs my attention but it doesn’t exactly bode well. I’m not expecting a range of delicate flavours from a beer the brewers are comparing to 19th century steam engine.

Still, I’d rather they were up front about what’s inside and you can’t fault them on that front here. There’s an appeal to class around the top of the can with the assurance that it’s brewed with ‘pure spring water’ but then it’s right down to business.; the only other words on the can are the label assuring the easily confused that the can does, indeed, contain beer, and a sub-headline near the bottom saying “BREWED STRONG” in alpha-male capitals.

Overall the whole outside of the can looks less like a marketing strategy and more like an overt threat towards any would-be drinkers. Still I do love a challenge, so here we go.

Locomotive pours like a lager but strangely retains a little film of bone-white head. The beer itself actually looks quite pretty for having come out of such an angry can; it's a dark copper colour without any cloudiness and it doesn't leave any lacing on the glass.

The smell is more like what I was expecting – there are a few grainy tones and maybe a hint of caramel kicking about but aside from that it’s mostly just alcohol.
Given the less-than-enticing smell the taste is surprisingly gentle (as PWB themselves have noted on their website). I’m not getting the dodgy aftertaste you’re apt to find in an extra-strong beer but I'd have to watch myself if I was having an evening on this stuff; it wouldn't be tough to put away a good few cans before you notice how sloshed you've got yourself.

Ironhorse Original is never going to be my go to beer - there's not enough going on in the taste department and the smell leaves plenty to be desired - but for an extra-strong brew it actually isn't too bad. If you're in a hurry to get trollied you could certainly do much worse than a can of locomotive.

Verdict: 5.5/10