Brews and Blues Beer and Smokin’ Blues

Highland Clawhammer Oktoberfest

Today's sampling is from Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, North Carolina.  I have had several of their beers before and always had excellent results and reviews, but this beer has a problem.  I'm not sure if it's just this bottle or possibly the batch, but it has a bitter flavor that is very uncharacteristic of the style.  It tastes like something is wrong with it.  I actually poured this beer down the drain after 5 or 6 sips.  Before I pass complete judgement on this beer, I'm going to chill another one and give it a try.  If there is any difference in the next bottle, I will update this post with additional information. 

My previous experiences with Highland beers have all been good.  This is a brewery that I will always hold in high regards as well, so don't let this minor glitch steer you away from their wonderfully crafted beers. 

*** Update ***

I opened another bottle of this beer this evening and it exhibited the same bitterness that the first bottle did.  I poured it out.  I'm going to try to talk to some others who have had this beer and compare notes...