Harpoon Summer

Harpoon Summer Beer:

Much like Sierra Nevada Summerfest, Harpoon Summer Beer is a lighter, more refreshing version of a particular style. This German-inspired Kolsch style beer is very crisp and clear. Light by their nature, kolsch beer are easily drinkable without ever sacrificing that real beer flavor. This particular one is really light, fine-tuned for the heat of summer.

Actually, this beer is even light enough to drink right from the bottle. I usually prefer pouring into a glass, of course. This one I split between bottle and pilsner glass. Either way, I was really satisfied. I think that's the word I'm looking for: satisfying. Lots of flavor, though nothing crazy. Light enough for drinking, but not a candy-ass brew. Pretty traditional, so style points won't be off the charts, but solid representation.


5.0% abv isn't over the top, but keep in mind when sampling Harpoon Summer Beer that it smells and tastes like BEER. Some non-beerheads can try a wheaty beer or citrusy beer and say, "Ooh, that's different." But a Kolsch dosen't skimp on the beeriness and Harpoon Summer doesn't skimp either. Harpoon would go well with barbecued chicken, fish, or sausage. Or whale.

Harpoon Summer Beer:

Representation: .90
Accessibility: .90
Style: .80
Personal Preference: .85

Total Score: 3.45 Flags

Sierra Nevada Summerfest

Sierra Nevada Summerfest:

Not a "summer ale". Actually, Summerfest isn't even an ale. More of a celebration of summer, Sierra Nevada Summerfest is a lager that is light and refreshing, easily drunk in honor of the thirsty months ahead. Though I've already noted that lager isn't my favorite style, I must say that I'm kinda sorry I don't have another Summerfest in front of me right now. Defininitely one of the best lagers I've ever had.

Summerfest is crisp and dry with a light to medium body. Really refreshing. This is a beer that will beat the crap out of any of the big mass-produced lagers that we beer officianados find a bit boring. Way more flavor comes out when care and pride go in, so pick up some of this brew if you need to renew your faith in lager. It's a safe bet since Sierra Nevada don't make no junk.

In the context of the summer ales I've been tasting, my preference remains with the wheaty, citrusy ales that have a more seasonal flair but this lager could certainly make the jump from seasonal to perennial. Sierra Nevada's offerings are more interesting and unique than anything those big breweries are putting out there, regardless of the season.

Sierra Nevada Summerfest:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .75

Total Score: 3.6 Flags

Spring, Summer... Whatever it takes.

Victory Whirlwind Witbier:



This is a Belgian-stlye wheat ale made with imported Belgian yeast to give it a little zing. Victory produces Whirlwind as a Spring seasonal beer. While there's plenty of spring left, a wheaty ale should be awesome straight into the summer, right? Oh, absolutely. Nice medium body and fruity aroma, the Belgian yeast is really evident in the scent and the flavor. In fact, the Belgian tendencies of this beer led me to pour it into a tulip glass with rounded bottom and open mouth. Definitely drink it this way if you can.



At 5.0% abv, Whirlwind is not quite as rich or potent as a true Belgian, but it allows the drinker to travel for just a moment. This American-made witbier is easier drinking than its European cousins, making it a really nice Spring beer. It would work well as a summer beer as well, but I feel like it would be just a bit warming on a breezy spring or summer evening. It's refreshing enough during the day, but I'm picturing shorts and t-shirt not being enough. Slip on a hoody and pour a glass of Victory Whirlwind.



I find that Victory captures the European spirit quite well. Definitely American, but definitely inspired. Drink also: Golden Monkey.



Victory Whirlwind Witbier:



Representation: .90

Accessibility: .85

Style: .85

Personal Preference: .90



Total Score: 3.5 Flags

Allagash White

Allagash White Ale:

Another Belgian-style wheat beer, Allagash White is not complete without the sediment from the bottom of the bottle. Directions are provided right on the label for those who aren't accustomed to bottle-conditioned ales. Pour most of the beer, swirl the remaining liquid with the yeast, and finish the pour. Necessary to achieve full flavor.

Allagash is usually pretty good stuff, so I was expecting a solid showing from the White Ale. Mission accomplished. Smooth and dry. Really nice body with silky mouthfeel. Finishes dry, but mid-sip there's a cool mystery flavor working with the tongue and nasal passages as it travels from glass to belly.


I heated up some leftover shrimp from Sunday and ate them with this beer. It worked out quite well, so therefore I recommend Allagash White with fish. Actually, it would most likely make a lovely substitute for white wine in many cases. Is it a good spring/summer beer? Sure it is. Refreshing and easy drinking, this White Ale would be perfect at a barbecue, especially with shrimp on the barby. What the hell, throw in some Allagash Tripel for dessert. Allagash White is, like I said, very solid. Not to flashy, but interesting.


Allagash White Ale:


Representation: .90
Accessibility: .85
Style: .80
Personal Preference: .85


Total Score: 3.4 Flags

Flying Fish Espresso Porter: Revisited

Flying Fish Espresso Porter (Draft):

Four score and seven beers ago, I was pretty tough on every brew up for review. The Toastmaster General advised me that under those strict Draconian guidelines just about no beer at all would ever be able to receive a 4.0 rating. Then the landed aristocracy keeps the commoners from advancing their station in life, class wars become inevitable and then we've got a revolution on our hands. Jesus, I don't need that. So I've lightened up a little with the ratings and most of them turn out pretty fair.

Anyhow, I recently visited PJ Whelihan's in Haddon Twp, NJ and tried the Flying Fish Espresso Porter on tap. Wow! My previous review of this beer may have been a little stingy, so I'm revising it. Keep in mind that the first review was of the bottled version; That being said:

I realize that not everyone will be able to handle this flavorful essprosion so the accessibility points went down just a bit. But all the other scores went up. It's really, really, really good.

Flying Fish Espresso Porter:

Representation: .90
Accessibility: .95
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: .95

Total Score: 3.8 Flags

PJ Party

PJW Whelihan's Wheat Summer Seasonal:

Brand new on the scene, this is a really nice version of a classic summer refresher. This wheat beer is hazy and golden and has pleasant fruity aromas. PJW Wheat is in the style of a true German Hefeweizen like Weihenstephaner but a bit more tart. It is a little bit sharper than its smooth German cousin and carries a bit of the citrusy zing of an American summer ale. Perhaps not quite as sophisticated as Europe's finest, but a darn fine piece of brewing!

Geez... what regional American brewery have I mentioned recently that has a flair for capturing the European style? Turns out that PJ's brews are crafted by the good folks at Victory in Downingtown, PA. They also brew PJ's Copper Lager (I'm not the biggest lager guy, but it's pretty good).

This season grab a PJ's Wheat. The summer heat is coming on fast and you'll need something to cool you off. Just don't put any fruit in it. The acids kill the yeast and counteract the complexity of the unfiltered ale. Instead of being more complex, fruit in a Weiss beer just makes it more confusing. Rather, try this as an accompaniment to a salad with mandarin oranges or lemon-poppyseed dressing. Oooh, oooh! Lemon-pepper chicken!

Strategically placed PJ's pepper the Beermuda Triangle. They've always been good for one or two good taps but recently they've been stepping it up big time. Expect a review of PJ's soon!

PJW Whelihan's Wheat:

Representation: .875
Accessibility: .90
Style: .90
Personal Preference: .95

Total Score: 3.75 Flags