Spokane, Wash. native and brewer Mark Irvin started Northern Lights Brewing in 1993. It wasn’t until last year, however, that an east coast brewery with similar title, a big bark and an even bigger pocketbook seemed to have a problem with Irvin’s nomenclature. At the same time, Irvin was teaming up with brewing veteran John Bryant (see Deschutes, Odell, Oskar Blue breweries) and the two decided to brush their shoulders off and move on. They changed the name of their successful brewery to No-Li Brewhouse and their fans moved with them, without a stutter. Possibly like Irvin and Bryant, the No-Li Crystal Bitter ESB was not looking for a fight but is a little bitter. The nose shows toasty notes of caramel and hazelnut with whiffs of leafy hops. The palate boasts malty toffee and caramel flavors with a splash of citrus for a crisp and simple beer, pulled tight with a bitter finish. A rose by any other name…
