Style: English-Style Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn, NY)
Brooklyn Brewery, founded in 1988, is one of the pioneers of the American craft beer movement, known for its iconic Brooklyn Lager and collaborations with brewmaster Garrett Oliver. Their commitment to traditional brewing techniques while maintaining a modern craft edge makes them a reliable name in the industry.
Brooklyn Brewery’s Summer Ale is a seasonal pale ale designed for warm weather drinking, offering a crisp and refreshing experience. Unlike many American summer ales that lean toward wheat-heavy profiles, this beer takes inspiration from English-style pale ales, using a balanced malt backbone with a light hop bitterness.
Appearance (4.5/5)
Poured into a glass, this beer showcases a golden, slightly hazy hue with lively carbonation. The white head is moderately thick and laces the glass well as it recedes, adding to its visual appeal.
Aroma (4/5)
The nose is bright and inviting, with citrusy notes of lemon zest, orange peel, and a subtle floral character. There’s a light bready malt presence, reminiscent of a classic English pale ale, with a touch of herbal hop aroma. It’s clean and refreshing, though not as hop-forward as some American pale ales.
Taste (4/5)
Brooklyn Summer Ale delivers a balanced, easy-drinking profile. The malt foundation brings a light biscuit and cracker-like sweetness, while the hops provide a delicate citrus and herbal bitterness. The finish is crisp and dry, making it highly sessionable. While not overly complex, it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do…offering a flavorful but approachable summer beer.
Mouthfeel (4/5)
Light to medium bodied with a smooth, effervescent carbonation that enhances its refreshing nature. There’s a slight creaminess from the malt, but it remains crisp and clean.
Overall Impression (4.1/5)
Brooklyn Brewery’s Summer Ale is a refreshing and approachable pale ale that embodies the spirit of the season. Brewed with a blend of premium British and German malts, along with a subtle hop profile, this beer is designed to be light, crisp, and perfect for warm weather sipping. While it may not be the most complex or groundbreaking beer on the market, it delivers exactly what it promises: a clean, easy-drinking experience.
While it may not push boundaries in terms of flavor innovation, it excels in its simplicity and execution. Fans of English-style pale ales and those looking for a crisp, easy drinking beer will find a lot to like here.
Final Rating – 4.1/5
If you’ve tried Brooklyn Brewery’s Summer Ale, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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