Tulsa on Tap

Maybe you have already tried them? Maybe you have been wondering where to find them? Tulsa's new and only local brewery, Marshall Brewery, has been at it about a year and a half, but only recently have these fine brews become available.

Brewmaster Eric Marshall presented us with five beers--all in generous pint-sized bottles--two of which were so new that they sported duct tape with their names. And so, and in order of preference, here they are.

Old Pavilion Pilsner is a "virtuous" pilsner, we thought, worthy of the art deco tradition for which it is named: the Expo Pavilion. It has an attractive golden hue, medium-bodied, smooth and rich with taste. It had an easy-going-down kind of taste which meant we could drink this anytime and at length.

Oktoberfest was our next fave of the five. This poured to a mysterious cloudy, golden honey color. The initial sip grabs you with its startling explosion of pleasant bitterness but soon dissipates to a serene aftertaste. There's virtually no head to this beer, very low effervescence. The taste finish taste is peaceful.

These first two beers were so new that labels had yet to be produced, thus they were duct tape-labeled.

Atlas India Pale Ale, named after another downtown Tulsa landmark, sports an attractive grey and black label of the primordial Titan who sported the heavens on his shoulders, Atlas. This beer pours to a cloudy mellow brown. A wonderful aroma emits from the beer, one of inviting creaminess. Smooth and of little effervescence.

McNellie's Pub Ale, made especially for the McNellie's Public House, is also low on the carbonated side--almost nothing in that regard. It pours with a small head and is cloudy amber in hue. This beer has great character, taking after its charismatic namesake.

Marshall Sundown Wheat is a typical wheat in a lighter color--more of a sunrise than a sunset, said one taster. The end of the harvest maybe richer because of the sugar; there is more depth and body from other wheats tasted--there were subtle spices which added to the overall taste. It has a nice autumnal color of golden yellow.

Several area businesses now carry Marshall Brewing products. Tulsa locations include: Carrabba's Italian Grill, The Collective, Cosmo's, Drake's Tavern, El Guapo, Empire, Fox and Hound, Granny's Attic, Joe Mama's Pizza (opening soon), Kilkenny's, Local Table, Lola's, McNellie's, Oscar's Gastropub, Pour House, Rib Crib, Rooster's and Soundpony. You can also find Marshall products at Ale Haus in Jenks, and the McNellie's and Applebee's locations in OKC.