Friday Beer O'clock Selections

 

Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale - Friday Beer O'Clock Selection 5-20-2011

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This week I was looking for a clean refreshing summer selection that I might be able to mix things up with during the summer months. After browsing the stock, I came across the Brooklyn Summer Ale and decided to go for it. The Brooklyn Brown Ale left such a great impression, I figured I try it and see if Brooklyn Brewery had the stuff or if they were just a one night stand.. :)

ABV: 5%

Appearance: Poured into a mug with a subtle haze, light golden wheat color with very slight orange hues and formed a white fluffy 2 head with a lot of small carbonated bubbling action. The head "deflated" after a minute releasing large air/gas  bubbles leaving behind a scattered foam layer across the surface with a decent callar and lacing.

Aroma: I picked up a little bit of citrus lemon/orange and apricot on the nose with coriander and bready malts. I'm also getting a earthy chalkiness (lack of better description) and wheat straw.

Taste: Consistent and balanced straight through. Wheaty malts, subtle honey sweetness with mild hops that add a slight bitterness, coriander. Finish is a nice mild bitter hop and lemon citrus with mild sweetness.

Feel: I really like the mouth on this. Great carbonation. On the lighter side with a semi-dry finish. Refreshing and crisp.

Drinkability: I'm a fan. This has great drinkability. Clean, refreshing, flavorful. When I think of Summer Ales, I tend to gravitate to Sam Adams Summer Ale for comparison. This certainly meets the expectations I have for a good summer ale.

Conclusion: Move over Sam Summer Ale - You've got some competition. I plan on adding this to my go-to summer ale line up.

What do you think of this weeks' selection? Have any other suggestions for a great summer ale?

Filed under  //   Ale   Brooklyn Brewery   summer   summer ale  
Posted May 20, 2011 by Ed Stafford 
 

Brooklyn Brown Ale - Friday Beer O'Clock Selections 1-21-2011

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This week's Friday Beer O'Clock Selection is Brooklyn Brown Ale brewed in Brookly, New York by a brewery known as ... wait for it ... Brooklyn Brewery!  I've also heard that they sell bridges, but have not been able to confirm that fact.

ABV: 5.6%

Appearance:

Poured with a rich dark brown color with amber highlights and formed a loose two finger brown-ish head. The head didn't last very long, but managed to retain a decent collar. Lacing covers the sides well, but dosn't hold very well. Turbidity appears to be pretty clear but the color gives it an opaqueness that makes it hard to see much. There is some carbonated bubbling, but hard to see.

Aroma:

Aromas are delicious and pretty much what I expect from a good brown ale. Lots of rich malts, molases, chocolate, brown sugar, coffee, and rounding off with some hops. All working together nicely.

Taste:

YES! Just as the aromas suggest. Flavors are very well balanced here, in my opinion, and all come together nicely moving from front to back. A collection of roasted and caramel malts, coffee and chocolate with a mellow bitter hopiness in the finish.

Feel:

In large, this is a smooth brew with medium to medium-heavy body. Carbonation is just right for my taste with a dry finish.

Drinkability:

I rate this pretty high on the drinkability chart. Great flavor and mouth. Hearty but refreshing. It makes a great session beer at 5.6% ABV, and would be appropriate in any season.

Overall:

Thumbs up from me. In fact, I believe I'm going to add this to my favorites list. I have a feeling this would be great with a nice steak or a rack of babyback ribs.

Tried this one yourself or have another Brown Ale Suggestion? Leave a comment and share.

 

Filed under  //   Ale   Brooklyn Brewery   Brown Ale   Recommended  
Posted January 21, 2011 by Ed Stafford