Entries tagged with “Bar Harbor” from Malt & Barley Chronicles

This probably isn't the most objective or controlled test I've ever done, since it comes on the heels of a Shipyard Brewery tour (and tasting) in Portland, consisted only of two drafts in one sitting (I usually like to try a beer a couple times), and was accompanied in part by some (relatively mild) hummus.  But I'd like to have the Bar Harbor again at home... so that should count for something.

Characteristics: Rich brownish amber color, medium carbonation but light head, medium body with some depth, runs mostly amber and slightly yeasty (like a Smithwick's) but finishes dry and hoppy.

Minor Gripes: That hoppy finish slides from dry to bitter as the ale approaches room temperature.  It's  similar to the core hoppiness of the Shipyard ales but not really necessary with this one.

Bottom Line: I'm not sure when "real" became synonymous with "brown, " but I'm not really complaining about the results in this case.

Rating:  6 / 10

"America's Original Blueberry Ale" is luckily a purist (of sorts).  Instead of going sugary and blue-tinged, this ale goes for the tangy side and a residual reddish color.  The result is interesting, if not entirely successful.

Characteristics: Amber color, lightly carbonated, light to medium body, tastes like a red ale but with a blueberry tangy tart kick toward the finish.

Minor Gripes: The amber and blueberry don't always match up, sometimes leading to a strange aftertaste that runs toward alcohol instead of blueberry.

Bottom Line: Not the fruity beer I feared, but not necessarily one I'd hoped for either.

Rating: 5 / 10

Technorati: Blueberry, Bar Harbor, Maine, Ale