27 Jul Copperhead Medusa by Nick B

Medusa

Copperhead Brewery

Conroe

Belgian Quad

ABV: 10.5%

IBUs: 25

Packaging: Draft, 12oz-4 pack bottles

You might have read that we recently went to Copperhead Brewery. Ok, at this point it wasn’t THAT recent, but you didn’t know that until we posted about it. While we were there, Seth still had some Cherry Medusa on tap and while that was good, I had to grab some regular Medusa to write about since it’s available 365 days a year.

Leading in to Medusa, I’ve been known to feel (and say) that quadruple ales are not all that tasty to me UNLESS they have been barrel aged. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I typically find quads to be too sweet and the barrel cuts through some of that, but I have recently started coming around to changing that thought.

Copperhead Medusa is easy to spot on the shelves at your local store. A blue Medusa of Greek mythology tries to catch your gaze and give you stone feet in front of the Copperhead brews in the beer aisle so you feel compelled to grab a six pack before you head out of the store.

With completely proper glassware, I poured Medusa into my Copperhead goblet made for the Cherry Medusa release. It had this lovely, deep red to amber-brown color with minimal carbonation that faded quickly. The goblet really opens up the beer so I could get a full whiff of the aromas leading into my first sip. There were hints of dark cherries, plum, and vanilla with a noticeable alcohol quality as well. I knew I was in for a sweet flavor profile.

The first sip of Copperhead Medusa had loads of dark fruit with raisin and plum on the front end. A slight hint of booziness followed and a syrupy sweetness cut through it. Everything mellowed and melded before making way to dark cherry and vanilla flavors without being medicinal in quality. I appreciated the subtle sweetness that did not overtake the beer.

I’m giving Copperhead Medusa 4.5 stars for being fantastic for the style and importantly, true to the style. It’s not overly sweet and has the right amount of booziness. She’s also deceptively drinkable and it’s not difficult to keep pouring some for yourself. Who else in Houston is doing quads this good?

You can find Copperhead Medusa all over the city year round in HEB, Specs, Whole Foods, etc. You can also pick up six packs or crowlers to go from the brewery if you’re out that way. Which do you prefer: sweeter or less sweet quads? Beers to you, Houston! 🍻