It was a 90 degree day outside and in the midst of the dog days of summer. I had no ambition to do any kind of manual labor in the yard as previously planned. My wife and I agreed that our afternoon would be best spent at one of our favorite local breweries, Ironbark Brewing Company located in the Kibby Cobb Plaza just outside of the Cascade Falls Park in Jackson.
The head brewmaster, Nathan Brue, is tall, with a red beard, chill persona, and a knack for concocting some of the greatest beers around. His forte is everything barley and hops with a few seltzers mixed in for good measure. He developed his passion for beer while brewing in 2012 alongside his food chemist dad. He has brewed over a hundred unique beers in his backyard alone. With more than twelve beers on the current Ironbark menu there is something for everyone.
Through all of the new beers I sample, I seem to always find my way back to one of the oldest offerings to quench my thirst, Gone Nutz. Gone Nutz is a Brown Ale forged through the genius of Nathan and the fresh ingredients he uses to brew it. Locally grown and sourced hops, generous amounts of peanut butter, and the effects of being on nitro make this beer into a creamy dessert from the head to the body. When it was first placed on the menu it was considered a standard Brown Ale with peanut butter. Earlier this year, it morphed into a nitro, which made a huge difference in taste and presentation after the pour.
Photo Credit – Nathan Brue, Ironbark Brewing Company
When I recently had it I noted that the nitro brought forth a smooth, peanut butter whip texture on the head and the taste set the tone for the rest of the beer. It wasn’t too sweet, but just right. Gone Nutz is considered a Brown Ale yet the body is dark and resembles a Stout or Porter. Although it is dark in color, it is not a heavy beer and has no bitterness at all. It finished as smooth as it started, delivering that same peanut butter punch to the taste buds down to the last sip. The ABV was more than acceptable coming in a 6.2%, so many people will be able to have a second if desired. (I desired).
Gone Nutz bucked the stigma of dark beers being thought of as only fall and winter choices. It can be enjoyed year round, from the never ending snowy days and ice storms of February to the hottest days of July.
As a disclaimer, I am a member of Ironbark’s Mug Club where the generous pours are the best way to experience any of the beers. Mug Club members get four more ounces per pour, along with other fun perks like invites to tasting events. If you’re interested in a membership they are $150 for a lifetime membership.
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I highly encourage anyone driving through the Jackson area to stop at Ironbark Brewing Company to check out their offerings, especially Gone Nutz. You will not be disappointed and your taste buds will thank you for it!
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