December 2nd, 2006 by Andy
On a recent trip out west, I had the pleasure of enjoying a few beers from the venerable Alaskan Brewing Company, who beer snobs the world over admire for their celebrated Smoked Porter. On this particular occasion, I had the opportunity to sample the brewery’s Summer Ale and I am here to tell you is a fabulous beer of momentus proportions! As I drank this nectar I kept thinking “WOW this is tasty”– what an excellent drink for a warm summers day. No doubt, the Summer Ale is an invitingly refreshing beer worthy of a beer snob.
The Summer Ale pours a light gold hue with a tiny head, which caressed the sides of my glass inviting me to partake of this most wonderful nectar. The beer gives off a wonderful spicy, sweet essence that complements its sweet grassy taste with a pleasant hop backdrop. The finish is astonishingly crisp with a slight hoppy character.
Interestingly, this is a Kölsh style beer, which means it is a Germanic type beer with typical hoppy overtones like a Pilsner; however, it is not a Pils because it’s a top-fermented beer, like all Ales in general. I hadn’t had a Kölsh before this sampling, but my first impression is an unbelievable knock out.
Indeed, this is one of the best beers I’ve had in awhile and I’d enjoy the opportunity to enjoy another! If anything, tasting this stupendous beer has transformed me into a whale of fan for the Alaskan Brewing Company.
