As plain as its name indicates, frugal ale rivals bland, unsophisticated lagers. Grains and hops come to the fore, but lack of distinguishing adjuncts or malt-like assertiveness keeps this stillborn.
Category Archives: Beers A-Z
AKTIEN JUBILAUMS PILS
ALEXANDER KEITH’S INDIA PALE ALE
ALLGAUER BAYRISCH HELL
AMELIA ALE
ANCHOR SPECIAL ALE (2006 EDITION)
Bitterer but not better than usual holiday offerings, ‘06 ruby amber seasonal loads prune-soured cinnamon-nutmeg-gingerbread-allspice piquancy above weak brown ale-like nutty dryness, toasted hop astringency, teasing chicory dip, and ashy cinder parch. Dulled out pumpkin-pomegranate scamp fades to orange soufflé vamp. Needs better dimension and distinction.
ANDERSON VALLEY HOP OTTIN’ INDIA PALE ALE
Billowy full-bodied white-headed IPA scores big points for originality and well-integrated ingredients. Dry pine-needled orange peel bittering and tangy tangerine-pineapple-cherry crisping decorate bitter oily hop scheme. Toasted baguette reminder aids subsequent rich mocha malting to bittersweet citric-grained finish. Brussels lace clings to glass sides, adding visual pleasantry to remarkably consistent brew. On tap, loud pine forest waft and faint banana illusions endure alongside tropical fruiting. Rivals Ipswich IPA for world supremacy.
(ANHEUSER-BUSCH) REDBRIDGE BEER MADE FROM SORGHUM
Beating its hackneyed gluten-free competition with mild ginger soda flow, roasted Vienna-like malting, and teensy apple-cherry-strawberry souring, this clear amber pale lager with bubbly flesh-toned head lifts cloy sorghum-grained sugaring atop evaporative phenol Cascade hop bittering and wobbly metallic twinge.
ARBOR GREFF KRIEK
ARCADIA WHITSUN ALE
ATWATER DUNKEL LAGER
Brewed by Stoney Creek Brewery since ’04, this tepid caramelized German-styled lager lacks intensity from its bronzed mahogany body to its swirled tan-head. Dull hops, carbolic acidity, and displaced plum astringency ravage roasted barley spine, though herbal spicing and cola nut twinge save pithy dry-grained finish.
(SLACK TIDE) AVALON AMBER ALE
As refreshing and cleansing as the Jersey Shore wave depicted on the label, Avalon remains a solid-bodied ale perfect with dinner. Roasted barleymalts thicken steadfast bitter hop aftertaste. Mighty fine brew manages to be both lean and filling.