Harpoon Summer Beer - Harpoon Brewery

NardiByNature

Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer is bright, pale yellow, crystal clear, with visibly still carbonation. A liberal pour yields a big, white, creamy head; settles down into a pancake and leaves behind some spotty lacing. Aroma is subdued; but, as a lager, it’s nice: some fresh grass (sort of spicy hops), and fresh grain. Taste is a little citric up front, and finishes with a zesty bitterness.

Feel’s just what it should be: refreshing and not too sweet. It’s got a nice level of carbonation. Overall this beer is just what I’d hoped for: crisp, clean and refreshing; it’s got a very fresh taste to boot. Great sessioner and a great effort from Harpoon.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2012 03:34:42 | More by NardiByNature

kangarooAdam59

Maine

4.73/5  rDev +31.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Into a pint glass (later tried in a stange, no changes):

A: clear yellow colored body with a soft white lumpy head that lasts about a good three minutes. It leaves some lacing around the sides of the glass and it slides nicely down their sides as the beer goes down. The carbonation is slowly rising.

S: some lemon and wheaty grains, basically balanced well.

T: mostly sweet through the lemon and the wheaty grains, leaves you wanting more.

M: light yet well balanced with a clean finish in this. This is a pretty sessionable beer.

O: this is actually a very good summer beer. I've had several of these before I decided to give a it a review so I could be as fair as possible. I would definitely have this again. I wasn't actually expecting it to be this good. This may be my favorite by Harpoon. Well done!

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2012 20:25:47 | More by kangarooAdam59

buschbeer

Ohio

3.95/5  rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle
Served in a perfect pint glass

A - It pours yellow and clear as glass. I got a couple inches of white head on top.

S - I smell lemon. I get kind of a lemon meringue aroma.

T - The taste isn't lemon meringue, darn it. I do get a healthy helping of lemon zest though.

M - Thin to moderate

O - I wasn't expecting much out of this beer, but I am a lemon fan so I kind of like it. It is refreshing, and would probably be even better on a hot summer day.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2012 01:25:44 | More by buschbeer

jsisko01

Michigan

3.08/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Bottle says best by 9-15-11 and today's date is 1-10-12, so my review may be a little off.. but it still looks and tastes fresh.

Appearance - Pours a clear golden color with an inch-thick, fluffy white head that dissipates quickly. Has nice lacing.

Smell - Strong aroma of lemon zest. Citrus, wheat, and a little spice.

Taste - Lemon zest, citrus, honey, wheat, and grains.. Has a slightly bitter aftertaste and small alcohol bite. It tastes good at first but the aftertaste is a little gross..

Mouthfeel - Medium bodied with light carbonation.

Overall - I wouldn't be able to drink a whole 6-pack of this.. but it's not too bad.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2012 04:12:14 | More by jsisko01

bushbeer75

Michigan

3.63/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz brown bottle consumed 9/2011

Harpoon Summer Beer poured a bright clear light gold producing a fluffy white 1+ finger head that had good staying power. As I consumed the brew it left behind foamy rings of lacing in my mug. The aroma was a little lemony and a grainy scent too. The flavor was dominated by a light sweet lemon, and a touch of honey. At the finish is a touch of bittering hops to balance out the taste. The mouth feel is light to light medium, dry, and crisp and the fizzy carbonation is generous giving the tongue a little tingle.

As its name implies, Harpoon Summer Beer is a good summer thirst quencher as a Kolsch should be.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2011 19:53:15 | More by bushbeer75

UnderPressure

South Carolina

4.45/5  rDev +24%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Lemonade yellow. Fluffy white head. Not many bubbles in the liquid.
Noble hop aroma, and (I assume Kolsch) yeast. Smells a little like green tea.
Nice, interesting hop character. Green tea notes in aftertaste. Refreshing, but not empty-bodied.
Fizzy and smooth medium-thin mouthfeel.
Overall, this is a fantastic beer. From now on, this will be a summertime staple for me. I just wish I'd discovered it earlier in the season.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2011 17:15:33 | More by UnderPressure

LXIXME

New Mexico

3.13/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Big white head dies leaving a decent little lacing on this clear golden straw colored beer.

Light lemony citrus aroma with a slight grain malt background.

Light citrus to lemony citrus with a light hops bitterness and yet the light grain malt sticks around ever so slightly.

A light bodied beer with some noticeable carbonation and a light dry citrusy aftertaste. Another one of those beer that a six pack could disappear pretty quick on a hot summers day.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2011 22:02:48 | More by LXIXME

rlee1390

Indiana

3.75/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Clear yellow, some carbonation, not much, one finger head that leaves behind great lacing.

S-Some lemon and wheat. The lemon is boarder line artificial though.

T-A nice light lemon flavor and some wheat. Not a bitter finish but the finish is crisp.

M-Light with not much in the way of carbonation.

O-A decent summer beer, light and sessionable. Just was glad that the lemon did not taste artificial, like other Harpoon Beers. I'm talking to you Crystal Wheat.

Serving type: on-tap

08-21-2011 21:10:19 | More by rlee1390

TheDeuce

New York

3.85/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Harpoon Summer Beer…..in the bottle….

Appearance-golden bright yellow color, very white head grows to three fingers settles down at two and stays there. Impressive color and carbonation in the glass, looks radiant and appetizing.

Smell-Malt appears in the form of dried bread, also light grassiness and the lightest bit of hop flavor, clean of any alcohol.

Taste/Mouthfeel-light mouthfeel, balanced light flavors of biscuit malt and the light touch of hops on the tongue. Grass flavors still here, alcohol appears, light and well blended. Flavors work together and flow, finishes clean with a last touch of malt.

Drinkability-easy to drink, clean refreshing.

Overall-a very successful Kolsch, easy to drink. All the factors add up to a success and I would drink this again. A great first try for this beer style.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2011 03:24:12 | More by TheDeuce

argock

Virginia

3.35/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from 12oz brown bottle into a Samuel Adams Perfect Pint glass. Best by 07/15/11 on bottle neck. Received as a gift from a friend for hosting a homebrew tasting.

A: Clear very pale straw with 1/2 finger cap of white head which leaves no lacing.

S: Faint grainy pale maltiness with even fainter floral hops. I don't think I am mistaking faint for subtle here.

T: The maltiness is reasonably toasty with some residual cereal grains followed by herbal, floral hoppiness. THis one seems to open up a little more with some warming.

M: Crisp and moderately dry with a bit too prickly carbonation shaped with a light body.

O: Not too bad but not going to medal too much with this guy. A little warming helps this guy out some but don't expect a lot and you won't be disappointed.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2011 03:18:42 | More by argock

CFHMagnet

Ohio

3.1/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A. Poured a finger of thin, flimsy looking head with a slightly aggressive pour. Body is a golden straw color, translucent, with a steady stream of bubbles rising to the top. The head dissipates quickly to a ring and a dollop.

S. Spiced bread and sweet malt. A light grassy hop smell. Overall, more than I expected from a kolsch.

T. Grain is the major taste here, with a dash of malt thrown in for good taste. The back end has some hop and spice to it. Leaves a very unpleasant aftertaste on the back of my tongue. Until that hit, the beer was going fine, but the aftertaste is terrible.

M. Lightbodied, pleasant, very sessionable. The type of beer for a midday in summer.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2011 03:59:36 | More by CFHMagnet

gabedivision

New York

3.65/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a can to a pint glass.

Pours thin pale yellow with a small bubbly head that slimes on the glass, looks very Kolsch-y. Grainy, floral, nice malt characters, lemony with a nice touch of spice on the nose. Nice rich buttery malt taste with citrus blend and a grainy finish. Light and sticky on the feel, bitter, crisp, refreshing. Overall this was a decent beer that would be worth buying for a long day in the sun.

Serving type: can

07-29-2011 22:44:13 | More by gabedivision

jayhawk73

Maryland

3.85/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A- Pours a light yellow color with a thin sliver of an off white head. Head quickly goes away. Almost no carbonation or lacing, which is fairly disappointing.

S- Hops, spice, malt. Very good for the Kolsch style.

T- Same as the nose, but the hops come out more in the taste, making for a more satisfying experience than the nose. Very nice smooth aftertaste as well. This is tasty.

M- Hop bite followed by smooth, silky feel. Possibly the best part of this beer for me. Very balanced, and very refreshing and pleasant.

O- While not my favorite style, this is a solid beer. Recommended if you like the style, or are looking for a good summer beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2011 02:56:26 | More by jayhawk73

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - A nice clear yellow color remnant of light beer but the ABV suggest a nice medium body. Carbonation is excellent forming a half inch of head that will not die down.

S - Smells very light with some biscuit malt, a bit of sweet grains and a touch of hops.

T - A very solid German Kolsch with all scents balanced with a touch of hops first rounding to a bit of biscuit and finishes with a bit of sweet grains. Boring to some but pretty tasty for me.

M - Light to medium makes it very easy to drink.

Overall I would happy buy this again since it's not only cheap (around 10 bucks a sixer) but very drinkable. A case might even be cheaper so I may need to check pricing.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2011 01:53:17 | More by DrDemento456

scottbrew4u

Pennsylvania

3.23/5  rDev -10%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Pours a clear golden to light amber color with a bubbly white head that settles quickly to a thin layer of bubbles.

S: Straight up fresh and toasted grains with a slight diacetyl aroma. Hops are spicy, light but appropriate for the style. Clean overall.

T: Lightly toasted malt and clean biscuit dryness with a balancing hint of spicy and earthy hops. Somewhat malty in the finish.

M: Crisp , bubbly light body that finishes a little dry.

D: A pretty good summer beer that is ok to serve to newbies to the craft beer scene yet drinkable for all who look for a easy drinking summer beer on a hot day.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2011 23:46:43 | More by scottbrew4u

Meerkey

Virginia

2.75/5  rDev -23.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

A: Bubbly white head. clear pale straw yellow. Tons of bubbles.

S: Sweet malts and grainy. Not bad. But I'm bored.

T: Not a fan. A little malty and grainy. Sour. Maybe a bit of fruit. Watery. Not good.

M: Watery with a bit of carbonation.

O: I just.. don't like Kölsches. Not recommended.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2011 04:16:29 | More by Meerkey

AgentMunky

Alabama

2.68/5  rDev -25.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a pilsner glass. Best by 15 July 2011 -- which was two days ago. Still, it's been refrigerated for three weeks, so I think it'll be fine.

A: A finger of head with surprising retention. Lots of bubbles. Very clear. Pale, pale yellow.

S: Grainy. Sweet malt and subtle, flowery hops as a complement. Fruit. Nice, but not great. Good for the style.

T: Grainy, sour and watery. I don't like it. The aftertaste is sour as well, and unfortunately lingers. A bit of sweetness throughout saves it from being an utter wreck. Still...

M: A bit of carbonation to the smooth wateriness. Meh. Drying aftertaste is somehow unpleasant.

O: To be fair, Kölsch is one of my least favourite styles. Strong for the style, and not the worst example I've consumed...arguably better than many found in Köln. Still, I will not have again. Not recommended. Still, drinkable, especially on a hot day...maybe. It is night-time and not that warm. I'm drain-pouring it.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2011 04:10:24 | More by AgentMunky

chickenflea

Florida

4.05/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Beer poured very bright and lively into my pint glass. Color was a clear pale yellow. Medium white head. Smell was intriguing. Mildly sweet with just a touch of grassy hops and a hint of white grape juice. The taste was mildly sweet with medium hop bitterness. Again, a touch of fruitiness. Finish is grassy hops. The only negative was a very slight metallic taste on the late finish. Mouthfeel was lively with medium carbonation. Light-to-medium body. Overall, a nice beer. Light and tasty with a nice blend of sweetness and bitterness. Great with light summer fare.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2011 19:03:08 | More by chickenflea

RomaniIteDomum

Florida

4.33/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours light yellow with a very nice cloud-like head. Looks slightly reminiscent of BMC brews, but this has a bit of lacing to it and can maintain a head.

The nose is full of fresh grain, straw, and pear.

The taste starts with Granny Smith apples and follows into sweet malt and finishes with a light floral quality.

The feel is light, yet not watery.

This is a very refreshing brew. I love how it can be light and refreshing while maintaining character and depth of flavor. This is canned sunshine.

Serving type: can

07-15-2011 05:19:04 | More by RomaniIteDomum

SunDevilBeer

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Another offering on my summer tour de beers.

Ever since this beer first came out from Harpoon, I thought of it as "just another beer". Good in a pinch, good for a keg party/BBQ at my house several years ago, OK if that's all the bar has on tap, but not really worth seeking out.

That all changed last summer when they started canning it.

I bought a 12 pack of cans since it was reasonably priced, cold, was one of the few craft offerings at a bad package store, and I could drink it at my swim club. Happened to be a 90+ degree steamy New England day, and this beer really hit the spot - even directly out of the can.

Clean, balanced, drinkable, just enough taste to keep things interesting to quench your thirst. Don't sip it to detect nuances - just drink it. When I'm dying of thirst the last thing I need are subtle hop nuances or a heavy malt profile.

This has become a summer regular for me.

Serving type: can

07-12-2011 00:38:49 | More by SunDevilBeer

fsvan

Tennessee

3.98/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from bottle into pint glass.

A- Pale, straw color. Clean, and easy to see through. Two fingers white head that dissipates quickly.

S- Cracker like malts. Not much in the way of hops. Clean, crisp smelling.

T- Cracker-like malts that sit on the tongue leaving a bit of a toasted flavor. A slight hop bitterness. Very cool and refreshing.

M- Light, but what was expected from a summer time release Kolsch.

O- I try tailor my reviews to be somewhat to style, and this is what I've done here. While not an overall great beer in my eyes in terms of enjoyment, it is great for what it is: A light, crisp, refreshing summer beer. The heat index in Nashville today is 107, and this is just what the doctor ordered.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2011 22:05:18 | More by fsvan

kylehay2004

Florida

3.25/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Poured into the Sam Adams perfect pint glass. Two finger white frothy head. Clear, yellowish with touch of gold color. Head dissipates at a moderate pace with some lacing.

S: Grainy, bready with some sweetness up front.

T: The taste is actually less flavorful than the smell. I taste the lemon notes but it is minimally grainy. Not very bitter but almost a little watered down.

M: The watery part makes it refreshing. Nothing offensive. Mild to moderate carbonation. Light bodied.

Overall: I was excited about this one up until the taste. It was a little watered down for me. Not so much bad tasting as the grain and malt with lemon notes were solid in the aftertaste, the typical summer ale taste, and was not very bitter and very refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2011 20:41:19 | More by kylehay2004

vtfan77

Virginia

3.53/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A- Very light, clear gold with a decent head that slowly dissipates to a foamy ring of lace.

S- Sweet, honeysuckle malt with a nice lemony and grassy twang.

T- Quite dry with a crackerlike malt acting as the backing for the hops, which have a nice herbal character. There's a touch of citrus too, an orange cream-like flavor that adds a touch of complexity. Finishes dry and moderately bitter.

M- On the light side of medium and well-carbonated.

Nice, refreshing beer here. Nothing earth-shattering, but flavorful and good for a hot summer day. It actually may be a little heavy for the style, and the alcohol content (while not detectable) is definitely a little on the high side and hurts the drinkability. Still, a decent choice for a summer quaffer. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2011 20:54:11 | More by vtfan77

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz Bottle

Appearance - Clear yellow with a large size frothy and fizzy white coloured head. There is an average amount of carbonation and there is some fair lacing. The head lasted for 5 minutes before it was gone.

Smell – Grains, bread, hops, lemons

Taste & Mouth - The beer has an average amount of carbonation and the bubbles seems larger than normal. i can taste grains mixed with lemon juice and zest. There is also some hops and some floral notes. The beer finishes with a lemony slightly spicy aftertaste.

Overall – This beer reminded me a little bit of the Yella Pils by Oskar Blues. It is definitely one of the better summer beers I've had and is extremely drinkable. I'm happy I tried it and I would buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2011 18:34:37 | More by spinrsx

seanyfo

United Kingdom (Scotland)

4.08/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle poured twice into a Muhlen kolsch stange.

BBE 15 sept 2011

A- golden body with excellent clarity. 3 finger head that has excellent retention and lacing. Drunk fast and cool like any good kolsch, this looks the part

S- hint of sulphur and pepper.

T- hint of sulphur with pepper. A hint of vanilla comes through to a semi dry refreshing finish.

M- medium carbonation and light body

T- excellent refreshing qualities and light body makes an excellent Summer quencher. Flavour profile is simple but kolsch was never meant to be complex.'very good.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2011 21:49:58 | More by seanyfo