This post is going up so many hours later than I really wanted to, but I learned (or relearned) a few things as a result. One is that I should always write my posts a day ahead if I have the opportunity to do so and the second is that never assume that relatively simply tasks will be completed very quickly in order to keep you on schedule.
As I side note, as of this morning we no longer have cable service in our home and I feel pretty good about that. Hopefully I am at least a little more productive in life as a result.
Did you see how I did not even mentioned the beer that I am reviewing yet? Maybe that is because I have never really loved this one (mostly because I am not a big fan of cream soda), but decided to give it another chance anyway.
Finally for the first review of the week . . .
Brewery: Anderson Valley Brewing Co. (Boonville, CA)
Name: Summer Solstice
Style: Cream Ale (though I would argue a Specialty Beer)
ABV: 5.60%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pint glass.
Aroma: Some sweetness in the aroma with no real hop characteristics, but with a sort of estery funkiness to it. Not too much there, but that not too much is not that good. – 4/12
Appearance: Orangey amber color. Slight cream color head that is thin, dissipates quickly, and does not really leave any trail along the glass. Clear with rising bubbles visible. – 2/3
Flavor: Clean, lightly sweet maltiness with a faint flavor of cream soda and not much beyond that as far as depth of flavor goes. Finishes with a faint dryness and a bit of lingering sweetness. – 8/20
Mouthfeel: Medium(ish) body with a fairly high level of carbonation that adds some sharpness. Lightly creamy on the palate and fairly smooth. – 3/5
Overall Impressions: From what I hear this beer has been found to be a little off around Central Florida and the aroma of this one reminds me of a keg that was found to be off (and sent back) at Redlight. So with that I accept that my grade is on the low end, but it likely would only be in the low Bs even if in top condition. The back of the bottle says “lightly sweet” and that is really about all there is to it. The flavor was not terrible, but I get a hit of the aroma with each sip. It has tasted better to me in the past and is much, much better when ice cold. The Wife said it does not taste like beer and I lean toward her argument. It was not undrinkable, but we actually dumped it after reviewing as there was no bang for the buck from an enjoyment level (was not worth forcing it down). – 3/10
Overall: C- (20/50)
Anderson Valley Brewing Co.- Summer Solstice
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