hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Seventeen

Tap to rate

Seventeen is Surly's 2023 anniversary beer, an 11% strong ale inspired by the Boulevardier cocktail. A strong red ale and a wee heavy are blended after ageing in Tattersall Bitter Orange Liqueur barrels and 10-year Henry McKenna bourbon barrels. The brewery tags it Citrus, Bourbon and Complex. Amber in colour with moderate bitterness, sold as a can in a box.

ABV
11%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
pale gold4
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
orangeoakcitrusy
orange
oak
citrusy
clean
malty
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced bitter orange and citrus zest, likely drawn from the Tattersall liqueur barrel aging.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Seventeen

◎ Appearance

Seventeen presents a clear, bright amber hue with excellent clarity. The head forms with moderate density and exhibits solid Schaumhaftung, leaving fine lacing on the glass. Carbonation is visible and well-integrated, creating a gently effervescent presence.

bright amberclearmoderate head retention

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced bitter orange and citrus zest, likely drawn from the Tattersall liqueur barrel aging. Underneath lies a warm oak foundation with vanilla and caramel undertones from the bourbon cask influence. A subtle alcohol warmth threads through without dominating, creating a complex and inviting aromatic profile.

bitter orangeoak and vanillabourbon warmthcitrus zest

◐ Taste

Entry reveals ripe citrus and orange marmalade notes alongside a clean, malty sweetness. The mid-palate develops warming alcohol and toasted oak character, balanced by moderate bitterness that builds gradually. The blend of red ale and wee heavy contributes a full, rich body with spiced and slightly resinous edges that linger through the swallow.

orange marmaladetoasted oakmalty sweetnesswarming alcohol

◑ Finish

The finish is long and drying, with citrus bitterness and oak tannins persisting on the palate. A faint bourbon sweetness fades into a clean, slightly crisp aftertaste that invites another sip.

dry oakcitrus fadebourbon sweetness
85
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
86
Appearance
82
Finish
84
Serve at 4–7°C

Serve at 4–7°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Seventeen

More from Surly Brewing Co.

Abrasive
Abrasive
Double IPA
9.2%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Axe Man
Axe Man
IPA
7.2%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Bender
Bender
Brown Ale
5.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Bitter Brewer
Bitter Brewer
Best Bitter
4.1%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Cynic
Cynic
Belgian Pale Ale
6.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Darkness
Darkness
Imperial Stout
12%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Double Bladed Axe Man
Double Bladed Axe Man
Double IPA
10.8%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Dry Irish Stout
Dry Irish Stout
Irish Dry Stout
4.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →

About Strong Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Strong Ale?

Strong Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Strong Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same orange, oak, boozy character as Seventeen will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →