Samuel Adams Summer Ale

Hello all! A month later I have found a new seasonal beer that deserves a mighty good review! Samuel Adams Summer Ale. Another nice seasonal beer from Samuel Adams that needs to be tried. It currently retails at $15.99 for a 6-pack or $2.70 per 5.5% abv bottle.

First thing is first, this is called the Summer Ale. Unfortunately, I think it would be better suited for Autumn. Why you ask? Well let me enlighten you! Though this is a beer that pours golden and you really can smell the aroma of lemon emanating from it, you also get a strong scent of spice and hops that almost overpowers. Once you take a drink, the lemon will be the first thing you notice is the lemon. It caresses your throat and makes you feel like a summer's eve, but then, then it begins to confuse you. You'll see the malts slowly taking over before being subjected to the taste of the spice and before you know it. . . Bam! Hops! Dryness! 

Don't sweat it, though. Even though it reminds me of the Noble Pils, it still feels more like summer. The lemon refreshes you and if you're at all a fan of a dryer, hoppier beer, I suggest giving it a try. If that's not your thing though, I feel ya. Take the "Summer" out of the beer's name and you still have a very solid ale. Go into it with an open mind, it might inspire you to go onto hoppier beers!

Cheers!

Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale

First off, I'd like to wish a Happy New Year to everyone. Hope that 2011 brings good health, good times and good beers! Secondly, I figured I should probably review the first beer that geared me towards seeing beer, crafts, imports. . . as something unbelievable. I bring you Kilkenny's Irish Cream Ale. It is currently only available in 440ml cans for $3.29.

I first had this beer when I turned 18 at the Peel Pub in Montreal. A friend of mine had recommended I try it and I immediately fell in love with this one. It pours with a very high carbonation (Nitro caaaaaaaaaan!) which is always a novelty in it's own. Once the beer settles, it's with a deep amber with an unbelievable head that seems to last forever. Unfortunately, the aroma lacks depth. You can smell the cream, but not much else. When it comes to the taste, it is so smooth. Soooo smooth. At a mere %4.3 ABV, it is incredibly easy drinking with a little bit of caramel taste on the start. Finishes dry, but it is so creamy and smooth. It's a really nice beer that can easily be enjoyed on it's own. For people looking to start appreciating and trying different beers, this is a great place to start at a reasonable price. Give it a shot, I dare you.

Cheers!

Clancy's Amber Ale

Clancy's Amber Ale is a Domestic Premium beer made from our very local Moosehead Brewery. Currently, it is available in 473ml "Tall Cans" ($2.99), 6 pack bottles ($12.69), 12 bottles ($22.49) and 12 cans ($22.99).

This Red Amber ale is a little something special for a not too bad price. A nice Amber color, although a little light. It presents an easy drinking taste without sacrificing quality. With a sweet side to it, it still warms nicely to present some brown sugar notes, from what I find. It won't blow your mind in any sense of the word, but if you appreciate an amber ale with mild malt to it, this one might be something to try out.

Also, I have to mention that one of the best places to enjoy this brew is at Navigator's Pub. Order the Tall Ship. Great beer to have on tap, always comes with a nice head, always served cold, with great service. Maybe this beer will become a new regular in your roster! Enjoy!