Yard's Brawler Pugilist Style Ale

And now for something completely different...

I happened to be at the only bar in town with a real beer selection. The place has a huge chalk board covered with maybe 40 different selections. I was looking for something random.

I asked the bartender to suggest something good. She sent me in the direction of Yard's Brawler and gave it a 9 out of 10.

A rather risky move on my behalf because typically if you entrust an unknown bartender to pick your drink you end up with either a Jersey Turnpike or they're lazy and give you water.

9 out of 10 'eh? Well shall see about that!

Yard's comes from Philadelphia. Which I for one do not really consider part of Pennsylvania. The battle of The Keystone State will always be raging. Solidarity brothers.

Yard's has been brewing since 1994. Relatively new to the craft brewing scene but they have an impressive lineup as well.

Here is what the Yard's website has to say about Brawler...

Boasting superior taste and champion flavor, the Brawler is crafted in the style of English session ales. This malt-forward, ruby colored ale is great for when you want to go a few rounds.

Is everything in Philly about fighting? Are they all goons like the Flyers? Even their beer?! I wanna see Snake Pliskin escape from the city of brotherly love. Hell, even some dude on the label is fighting the devil!

Actually, now that I look at it the dude looks like some hipster you would see at a a concert for some band that none of us here have probably heard of. He even has the mustache and tight pants! I am totally rooting for Beelzebub now.

Brawler itself is a good dark reddish color and is way too easy to drink. Anytime is a good time to drink some Brawler. Just after work, during church, attending funerals, court appearances. Very solid beer. I would love to try this stuff on cask.

4.2% ABV but it is not like some light beer. After a few you really have to wonder if maybe that was a misprint or some kind of really incredible cosmic joke. I only paid $3.75 for a bottle which is quite reasonable, I have also seen cases for around $32. This will most certainly be my next purchase.

Here is what we have learned.

• Sometimes you can trust the bartender
• There is at least one reason to let Philly exist
• This is an excellent beer

Drinkability: 9/10

Value: 8/10

Taste: 8/10

Curb Appeal: 8/10

Overall: 8.25 /10