Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale

The Dirt
Oh Autumn, how I love you. Tis the season for Oktoberfests, harvest beers, and pumpkin beers. Pumpkin beers? Sounds wrong, doesn't it? But when done right, it is just that - right.

Sam Adams pairs its Oktoberfest beer in its Harvest sampler pack with the Harvest Pumpkin Ale. Looking like an Oktoberfest in the glass, this beer also has those malty tones, but not to the level of an Oktoberfest. This allows the pumpkin to be on display. Upon the sip, pumpkin isn't noticed right away, but emerges after the carbonation settles down in your mouth. Once this happens, it really does taste like real pumpkin - as opposed to a sweet pumpkin pie or pumpkin bars. You can also taste a hint of nutmeg and pumpkin spice in the mix. These elements combined with the malty backbone of the beer makes for a very hearty, balanced, and enjoyable beer on a crisp fall afternoon. My only complaint is that it's a little dry on the back-end, lacking a smooth finish.

Worth it?
As part of Sam Adams' fall sampler, this is a nice treat. I'd even consider buying at least one 6-pack of this during the fall if I didn't buy the sampler. If you want to try a pumpkin beer but don't want to shell out the dough for the Dogfish Head Punkin Ale (the gold standard of pumpkin beers), avoid Buffalo Bill's at all costs and try this guy out.

Final Word

BridgePort Summer Squeeze Bright Ale

The Dirt
I've only heard of beers being brewed with lemongrass, but have never tried one until the Summer Squeeze. Brewed with lemongrass and added yuzu fruit juice (an Asian citrus fruit), I was a little hesitant to purchase at first. However, this turned out to be a very light and refreshing brew. On the same level as Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, I probably wouldn't be interested in drinking more than one in a single sitting unless I was at the pool or lake on a hot summer day. And that's what this beer is for - to refresh while relaxing in the sun.

Upon the pour you can certainly smell the lemongrass nose, but it's much more subdued in the beer. The first taste you get is actually the citrus of the yuzu (or so I guess since I have no idea what yuzu tastes like), and the lemongrass becomes more pronounced as the beer finishes. I'd almost describe the overall impression of the beer as a wit but with a different citrus profile. To realize more flavor, try in a large snifter glass.

Worth it?
As with the other BridgePort beers I've reviewed recently, I got this on sale for $5.99. Any BridgePort beer is worth $5.99. At full price, there are plenty of other beers I'd try first, but I would consider if I was going to be outside by the water all day.

The Final Word

 

Shiner Ruby Redbird

The Dirt
I will admit, when I saw this on the shelf, I frowned a little. But my roommate brought back a couple from a BYOB gathering at Salt Lick, so I thought I'd review something I wouldn't normally buy.

Once poured, you can instantly smell the ginger. After a few sips, you wonder if you're drinking a ginger ale with less fiz and alcohol added in. There's a hint of the grapefruit on the backside of the beer, but isn't too noticeable compared to the ginger. Very dry after the initial ginger taste.

Worth it?
I will always keep an open mind to any beer I try, because some can truly surprise you. But this one lived up to the expectations. It was free for me, and there's another in the fridge. Safe to say, I won't be drinking it. I applaud the creative effort and old college try, but Shiner, please return to crafting tasty renditions of classic German beers.


The Final Word