I try to get to other breweries. Really I do. But I can see how my two readers could get the mistaken impression that I only ever visit Tamarack Brewing Co. in Lakeside.  Unfortunately, my travels rarely take me east of Missoula where great breweries like Blackfoot River, Quarry, Angry Hanks and many others lurk.  Lately, my travels have been taking me north to Kalispell and Whitefish, right past Tamarack Brewing.  You don’t expect me to drive on by simply because I keep writing about their beers, right? Heck no. This trip, I did have time to head up the east side of the lake and also visit Flathead Lake Brewing Co.  More about that in a later post.

When it comes to rotating new beers, Tamarack must be one of the most prolific. Two new brews appeared on tap since my last visit a couple of weeks ago.  The Mahogany Brown ale was kegged and put on tap only a couple of hours before my visit.  It was brewed/released for this weekend’s Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show in Lakeside.  As you can see from the picture (which, for once, is reasonably accurate) the beer’s color matches its name.  It has a slightly sweet aroma which matches the initial flavor, but beyond that the only word that came to mind was another color: green.  As in the flavors haven’t had a chance to blend yet. Perhaps there was a rush to get it out for the weekend celebration, but I get the feeling the beer will be much better, and quite good, after a couple more weeks. Its stats are 5.2% abv and 30 ibus.

On the other hand, the Saints Inn Scotch Ale has blended well and has some classic scotch ale flavors with a bit of a twist.  There is clearly more hop bitterness in this brew than a typical scotch ale which shows up in the finish.  It is a reddish/orangish color with an off white head and a medium body.  It checks in at 6.66% abv (come on, really?) with 44 ibus. I like the creativity and hope to be able to enjoy a whole pint next time I stop in.