As the “About Us” page on their website states, Left Field Brewery hasn’t been in the game long. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, this baseball-themed brewery blends a love of beer with a love of the American National Pastime (except from ’92 – ’93, I guess). “Eephus” is named after a seldom-used baseball pitch that has a steeply arced trajectory but a surprisingly low speed.
With only three years at bat, Left Field Brewery has already won a Gold in the North American Style Pale Ale category at the 2016 Canadian Brewing Awards. And, although Left Field won Gold for their Wrigley Oat Pale Ale, and not this brew, I have high hopes for the oddly named Eephus. I was in Toronto this week, and picked up a couple 473 mL cans at the local LCBO. I didn’t see Roberto Osuna.
Left Field Brewery: Eephus Oatmeal Brown Ale – First Sip
Eephus Oatmeal Brown Ale pours dark brown with a lot of thick foam. I don’t detect much of an aroma but its taste is upfront, unlike R.A. Dickey’s pitching. I taste coffee-like bitterness that fades to a balanced malty and nutty aftertaste. Eephus’s mouthfeel does a double-play. By way of its thick foam, this brew balances between the grittiness of oatmeal and the smoothness of dark chocolate.
Left Field Brewery: Eephus Oatmeal Brown Ale – Last Sip
I learned that the key difference between brown ales and stouts is that brown ales are less alcoholic. That’s the case with Eephus weighing in at a respectable (but hardly strong) 5.5% ABV. Most stouts come in at 6% ABV or more.
In terms of pairing, I can’t argue with the can that suggests you enjoy this brew with pulled pork sandwiches and roasted peanuts. Although, because of its bitter taste, I recommend pairing Eephus with any number of salty snacks including, but not limited to, ballgame favourites like pretzels with mustard.
