May 2006 Archives
The gold standard by which all other cream ales must be measured. After my recent adventure with the "Wexford" cream ale, I had to head to the source to recalibrate my tastebuds for the summer.
Characteristics: Light golden color, light body masked by the nitrogen-aided pour and thick head, light grainy flavor with the lightest touch of hops imaginable.
Minor Gripes: Sometimes drinking a Boddington's is like eating a saltine cracker. It cleanses the palate but doesn't necessarily do anything more. It can be overpowered by anything resembling resembling a flavor or spice -- even fish & chips if you're a fan of malt vinegar or a mild curry.
Bottom Line: Boddington's is the blonde Guinness, from the widget / nitro tap (I have yet to see it hand-pumped in the US) to the smooth almost non-flavor -- and I do mean that as a compliment. Those looking for a smooth alternative to a pilsener would do well to try Boddington's; folks who live for over-hopped ales need not apply.
Rating: 6 / 10
Technorati: Boddington's, Cream Ale, Manchester
As much as I respect regional breweries and distribution, there are times when it kinda sucks. New Belgium Brewery is one casualty of regionalism -- with better distro, folks all over the U.S. could thrill to the tastes of their Fat Tire Amber (not to be confused with Flying Dog Tire Biter) or the tremendous 1554. Taking the label at its word, the basic recipe for this brew came from a crumbling Belgian library book -- a literary treasure indeed.
Characteristics: Rich brown color, light body, hoppy (but otherwise nondescript) start mellows to dryness with a smoky, almost burnt, bittersweet chocolate finish.
Minor Gripes: Sometimes the burnt / toasted flavors are out of synch, leading to elements fighting for attention in an unpleasant way.
Bottom Line: One of the very few things I miss about Kansas City is the broad availability of this beer. The bitter smoky finish takes it out of the everyday beer category, but it's always worth having a couple bottles on hand as a change of pace.
Rating: 7 / 10
This is exactly what I want in a summer beer -- light, refreshing, slightly sweet but not cloying. I was a little afraid at first but pleasantly surprised. Certainly more on the Genessee side of cream ales, mixed with a little Blue Moon (minus the nutmeg). Why Portland? The "export" brewing and bottling is handled under contract by Pyramid (home of the Apricot Hefeweizen).
Characteristics: Warm gold color (pushing orange instead of blonde), smooth and slightly sweet flavor, light body. Brewed with honey, orange peel, and orange blossom extract.
Minor Gripes: There just aren't that many occasions when I want a light beer, and I'm not always excited by the taste of honey in my beer..
Bottom Line: The next time someone asks for a Leinie's Honey Weiss (or worse, a Berry Weiss), try serving an Orange Blossom Cream Ale instead. Seriously.
Rating: 6 / 10
Technorati: Cream Ale, Oranges, Hayward, CA
