Bar Harbor Real Ale -- Atlantic Brewing (Bar Harbor, ME)

This probably isn't the most objective or controlled test I've ever done, since it comes on the heels of a Shipyard Brewery tour (and tasting) in Portland, consisted only of two drafts in one sitting (I usually like to try a beer a couple times), and was accompanied in part by some (relatively mild) hummus.  But I'd like to have the Bar Harbor again at home... so that should count for something.

Characteristics: Rich brownish amber color, medium carbonation but light head, medium body with some depth, runs mostly amber and slightly yeasty (like a Smithwick's) but finishes dry and hoppy.

Minor Gripes: That hoppy finish slides from dry to bitter as the ale approaches room temperature.  It's  similar to the core hoppiness of the Shipyard ales but not really necessary with this one.

Bottom Line: I'm not sure when "real" became synonymous with "brown, " but I'm not really complaining about the results in this case.

Rating:  6 / 10