Narragansett Summer Ale - Narragansett Brewing Co.

Schmidts

Pennsylvania

4.72/5  rDev +23.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Eddie's Mom for sending this to me from NY as this one does not come to Pa. Pours from the can golden yellow, with a nice white 3/4 inch head that fades quickly leaving some nice laceing.
Smells of sweet Malts sweet grass and citrus lemon.
Kind of Lemon fruit with a nice mild hop and malt grain taste. Very smooth in your mouth and very refreshing too.

Overall I have to give this a 4.5 rating it is a very drinkable and a very tasty Summer Ale Just what an Ale like this should be!

Serving type: can

08-20-2011 21:20:20 | More by Schmidts

benbking

Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +19.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 3 | overall: 5

So excited to pick this up today.
16 oz Tallboy.
A: I'm committing a BA sin and drinking this straight from the can. The Can is Blue, light blue. There's the Narragansett towers, with waves breaking the wrong way. You wouldn't know this unless you've been to Narragansett. I wouldn't let it subtract from your enjoyment.
S: slight citrus. it smells good!
T: Clean and Crisp.
M: I've always been unclear about how a beer "feels" in your mouth. Bah, we'll skip mouthfeel.
O: Overall a very nice Summer Ale. Pretty excited about it, plan to buy lots more over the summer.

Serving type: can

05-12-2011 21:44:27 | More by benbking

SeussMD

Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I was very impressed by the Helles Bock and was eagerly waiting for the Summer Ale to appear. I scored a six-pack of talll boys (in a lovely shade of Rhode Island blue) at the Liquor Depot in Simsbury, CT.

Poured from 16 oz tall boy into an Imperal pint glass.

Appearance: Pours bright gold with 1 to 1 1/2-inch fluffy white head, not unlike the foam on the waves at the beach. Laces easily. Head recedes to about 1/4 to 1/8 inch.

Smell: Divine. Lemon, honey, wheat. Very inviting.

Taste: The hop presence is there from the start, but just bitter enough to let you know it's there ... lemon citrus hop flavors provide just enough bitterness to offset mild malty sweetness. Very refreshing finish ... the hops linger, somewhat mouthwatering but not overly dry. A delicious summer beer.

This is the best new beer I've had in a long time and solid proof that Narragansett's rebirth is on solid footing -- it's a hell of a lot more than "Hi neighbor!" nostalgia. Proof that you can make a refreshing "lawnmower" beer with plenty of character that brings the flavor but, at 4.2 ABV, doesn't knock you on your ass. I'lll be drinking a LOT of this...

Serving type: can

06-02-2011 23:32:24 | More by SeussMD

cpolking

Iowa

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a bright honey golden in color with an inch of thick, foamy white head that leaves medium lacing down the glass.

The aroma is fresh, bright, fruity, citrus zest and tropical fruit, but in a smooth, aromatic and honey-sweet way, not in a knock-you-over IPA way.

The taste is lightly honeyed fruit and citrus zest over a solid malt grain bed. The finish is round and smooth yet very dry and somewhat bitter. After the wave of bitterness, the sweet fruit lingers around again as well.

This beer far exceeded my expectations. This is a damn fine summer ale and a damn fine beer all around. The distribution of Narragansett is limited, but, if you can get your hands on this, try it now.

Serving type: can

07-01-2011 00:22:58 | More by cpolking

jayhawk73

Maryland

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks Matt!

A- Pours a light yellow w/ a white one finger head. Good carbonation and lacing. Somewhat cloudy, but you can still easily see through it.

S- Slight lemon, grass, malt, and earthiness. Fantastic, and very refreshing nose.

T- All smells in the taste as well. Very smooth and refreshing. I didn't realize how great this beer was going to be- especially for the style. I could drink 4 or 5 of these just because the taste is so great.

M- Surprising substantial feel to this beer, but still fairly thin and refreshing.

O- For the style, it doesn't get any better. Highly recommended!

Serving type: can

07-19-2011 23:46:40 | More by jayhawk73

rowingbrewer

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a nice yellow color with a thin white head. The smell is grassy floral and citrus hops with a light background of malt bthe flavor is similar to the smell with a smooth clean finish bthe mouthfeel is light and almost thirt quenching. overall this is an excellent summe beer

Serving type: can

08-25-2011 22:03:29 | More by rowingbrewer

Goblinmunkey7

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to angrybabboon for throwing me a can.

Appearance: Clear gold. So very clear. Bubbly. Head is bright-white and drops to a thin, almost non-existent cap. Spotty lacing. Oh hells yeah.

Smell: Grass, a hint of lemon, and some biscuity undertones. Crisp and clean. Some lingering sweetness that reminds me of corn. A touch herbal and a nice punch of citrus. Very mellow. Pale malts.

Taste: Pale malts and a nice herbal, citrus undertone. Lemon brightens things up a touch. Nicely hopped, but done on the delicate side. Touches of roasted malts and some biscuity notes. Grassy and earthy in good measure.

Mouthfeel: Clean, dry, and crisp. It's the epitome of summer beer.

Overall: Dear every other summer beer,

You should be this. Thanks.

Serving type: can

05-06-2012 21:55:29 | More by Goblinmunkey7

tzieser

Arizona

4.43/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

surprised i haven't reviewed this one yet.

a: poured from a 16oz can into a standard pint glass. clear golden in color with plenty of carbonation; whispy white head settles into a thin lacing.

s: bready aroma with notes of wheat and light citrus hops.

t: refreshing from start to finish. bready malt flavor with some cereal grains and wheat. finishes a tad dry with a little bit of citrus hop flavor (gotta love that citra). does a great job of balancing flavor and drinkability.

m: great mouthfeel.

by far the best summer ale available for the price. after reading the profile on the website, i was very surprised to see the addition of citra hops to the recipe. i look forward to this every summer. recommended.

Serving type: can

04-15-2012 00:24:12 | More by tzieser

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

tall boy, I think Ill do it!

Pour is bright freaking yellow body. Nice white head.

Uh oh the smell. Slight bittering hop presence, yet theres a hint of citrus fruits. Lemons and Grapefruits, buts its bitter forward. Oddly, Im ok with it.

OMG. I wasnt expecting what I got form this beer, honestly. I used to think New Belgium Hoptober was the best Blonde, but nope. Theres an amazing balance, and I think thats the key here. Light upfront bitterness thats kept in check by a subtly sweet malt. Its all so light, and a perfect summer beer.

Serving type: can

05-12-2012 22:24:24 | More by VncentLIFE

uustal

Rhode Island

4.4/5  rDev +15.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Pours a very pale yellow with a slight bright white head. Aroma of sweet citra hops and toasted grains. Great summer flavor begins with a good hit of those delicious citra hops. Grain and cereal malt add great balance and sweetness before a crisp hop finish. Flavor profile is not huge, but perfectly constructed for such a sessionable ale. Not a wussy, fruity, hopless summer beer, but a well crafted, hop and flavor friendly sessionable summer ale

Serving type: can

08-12-2011 21:24:47 | More by uustal

indiapaleale

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pour - glass is filled with a yellowish, straw color with some golden highlights. Nice large, foamy, white head on top. Looks clean and clear with nice carbonation.

Aroma - hints of hay, lemon, pale malt, wet grass and Rice Krispies.

Taste - light and refreshing. The first two words that come to mind, seriously. Very crisp, it dances on the tongue. Its a bit citrusy, a bit malty sweet but neither is in anyway dominating. Delicate in flavor and balance. At only 24 IBUs the hoppiness is pretty subdued with no real bitterness to speak of. It has a biscuity, malty flavor that provides a bit of tanginess. Very clean taste with a slightly dry finish.

Overall - this is a very well put together blonde ale. At only 4.2% alcohol this is an excellent candidate for the beach or an afternoon BBQ. Plenty of flavor to keep you interested but nothing heavy or overpowering. Again, this is light and refreshing which is perfect for the season. A great summer ale from the folks at Narragansett.

Would I buy more of it? - I would and I will. The price for a six-pack is hard to pass up and summer has just begun. The hottest days are ahead and this beer at 16 oz. a time is the way to go!

Serving type: can

05-13-2011 20:01:52 | More by indiapaleale

Bitterbill

Wyoming

4.38/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Purchased online from Grand Vin.

It pours a clear light gold with about an inch of foam and some pretty good lacing.

Light notes of lemon citrus and malt in the smell. The malt shows some nice sweetness with a touch of grain.

The taste...whoa, is a very well balanced; lemon citrus bitterness with sweet malt and light graininess. The hop character is very good but makes this brew special to me is what the malt brings to the table. and at 4.2%abv, I am *super* impressed!

Medium bodied with the carbonation on the light side of medium, I'm digging the mouth feel and if I had this around my neck of the woods regularly, I'd drink a heck of a lot of it. Wonderful brew!!

Serving type: can

05-16-2011 23:16:32 | More by Bitterbill

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.38/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 16oz can into a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a bright gold color, with a large off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains citrus fruits, light caramelized malts and a good amount of hops.

T: The taste starts out with a grainy bready flavor from a hearty but not too heavy malt character. Then some citrus and caramel sweetness quickly follow. The hops presence is quite complementary and is a bit stronger than most beers in the style creating a very good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

M: Smooth and very crisp, light-to-medium body, medium carbonation, finish is clean.

O: Very tasty, goes down quite easily, not filling at all, mild kick, good representation of style, this is an excellent BBQ beer to pound down for a very long time.

Serving type: can

05-19-2011 02:51:09 | More by TheManiacalOne

kecarl7

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Tallboy poured into an imperial pint glass.

Pours beautifully. An inviting golden color topped off by an impressive white head.

The smell of Summer Ale is equally enticing. A great combination of hops and malt. Nothing overpowering, just a great combination of subtle scents.

The appearance and smell are great, but it's the taste and mouth feel that make this an exceptional beer. The subtle, citrus scents detected in the nose are amplified in the taste. A nice citrus blast with a dash of grassy notes and sweet malts. The mouth feel is totally unexpected from such a low ABV beer.

Over the past few months I've been able to drink a lot of fantastic beers from all over the country, but this one might be the MVP of the Summer. It's perfectly priced, extremely refreshing, highly drinkable, and it appeals to both craft and non-craft drinkers.

Serving type: can

07-12-2011 11:34:40 | More by kecarl7

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.35/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Rich amber in color, light with a nice head of white on top. Lots of carbonation coming up toward the surface throughout the session, reinforcing an already strong look. Light hops get stronger as it warms up. Nice bit of grain mixing in as well now, nice depth to it I have to admit. Crisp, clean taste and feel here. Really again very well done I have to say. Light finish which was quite dry and I have to admit this was very, very session able. You never can tell what is going to happen when you try a new pale ale, but this was surprisingly very good.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2011 02:41:18 | More by mikesgroove

Jayli

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Acquired from TheManiacalOne ... and I'd say thank you but everyone in this area is sold out and I'm jonesing for it!
From a 16 oz can poured in to a pint glass...
Consumed 6/28

A: This beer pours a clear light golden color, carbonation is very visible. A three finger of white foamy head sits on top receding at a moderate pace and leaves clumps of lacing that eventually lend to thick sticky lacing.

S: Nose is grainy, light fruits, and a bit of citrus hops.

T: Taste starts with nice and very light caramel malts mingled with a bit of mango flavoring. A light graininess comes through that holds through the middle before a very pleasant albeit light grapefruit citrus hop hits up the finish.

M: Lighter bodied, moderate carbonation with a somehwat slick feel at the forefront and a bone dry finish.

O; Goes down easily, extremely tasty, not filling, not much of a kick, and a great representation of style. Hellooo - if the local liquor stores can keep up with the demand, you SHALL be my summer beer.

Serving type: can

07-02-2011 05:01:03 | More by Jayli

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

4.35/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Can from drabmuh. Thanks Matt!

The beer is completely transparent and yellow in color, with a finger of white head that displays lasting retention and leaves ample lacing on the glass (not a run-on sentence, though it feels that way). Steady effervescence emanates from the depths of the pint glass. After fifteen minutes, no let up. Impressive.

The aroma is great, especially considering the beer is so low in alcohol. Light fruits and the smell of summer. Mmm...

The flavor is delicious. I could throw back several of these in a session. Perfectly balanced and teeming with flavor, this is certainly a top notch example of the style. I definitely want more of this. Recommended.

Serving type: can

07-18-2011 21:47:33 | More by Huhzubendah

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

All of Gansett's seasonals have been pretty good so far. I am excited for this one considering I like the style, and the use of citra hops.

A-Pours a radiant gold that is completely transparent. A fluffy bleach white head forms and settles leaving consistent lacing. Single bubbles rise slowly from the bottom of the brew.

S-Bready malts are paired with a light but attractive citrus hop aroma. Lemon zest and a clean grassy scent as well.

T-The taste definitely warrants two sips back-to-back. The beer tastes very clean and crisp. The hops are mellow but are quite tasty. Smooth green grassy tastes. Light lemony citrus as well. Bread, and some spice mix into the taste as well.

M-Very light but not watery. Crisp, smooth, clean, etc. More carbonated than it looks.

O/D- In order for a summer beer to score relatively high on my scale it needs to be light-bodied without sacrificing flavor. It obviously needs to be drinkable as well. I believe that this beer is an excellent summer brew. Unique taste combined with light body. Doesn't hurt that it comes in tallboy cans as well. Might be their best seasonal in my opinion. I will be drinking these all summer.

Serving type: can

05-09-2011 21:30:05 | More by VelvetExtract

zoolzoo

Connecticut

4.3/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is by far my favorite summer time beer this year.

Narragansett Summer drinks like a super crisp lager, but with some subtle citrus zing derivative of the hop profile and ale yeast.

The malt bill is bready enough but really tight, sweetness is present but in check. Finish is squeaky clean, save some slight lingering bitterness and almost a kiss of lemon.

Low ABV, clean and enjoyable flavors, really an excellent beer for the summer season (or any season). Nice can too...

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2011 01:37:39 | More by zoolzoo

keeganfrank

Ohio

4.28/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Golden beer with a thick, foamy head that dissipates slowly and leaves lots of lacing. Crisp grass and zesty lemon aromas with some floral hints. Flavors of grasses and grain with soft lemon rind notes. Has a light, dry body that makes it perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.

Serving type: can

08-12-2012 18:17:13 | More by keeganfrank

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Finally got some of this at Julio's after waiting a couple days. WELL worth the wait as Narragansett continues to impress with their seasonal offerings. Poured into my Duvel tulip.

A - A crystal clear golden straw colour with a big, fluffy two finger head that fades at an average rate only to leave behind some nice sticky side lacing. Considering the ABV I'm quite pleased with it.

S - Only thing that was somewhat underwhelming for me. Pale malts and some very light citrus notes. Really wanted a little more citrus/hops on the nose.

T - The taste though, this is good. Very light tasting, as it should be with some nice bread notes as well as a good lemon zest flavour as well. Slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and nice and clean.

M - Nice carbonation here. Very crisp and refreshing with a slightly dry finish.

O - Overall, this is a damn good beer from Narragansett and quite possibly my favorite seasonal of theirs. For the price ($7.99/5 tall boys) you cant even come close to value. Hands down my new summer session beer.

Serving type: can

05-14-2011 20:25:49 | More by rudzud

Dools9

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Bright blue tallboy into a shaker pint...

A: Pale golden in color with a nice foamy, frothy head. Stuck around for a while and left some pretty good clumps of lacing.

S: Pale malts, mild sweet bready aroma with a bit of citrus and just a touch of a lemon zest.

T: Malty, bready sweetness followed by a bit of floral/herbal hops, lemon and mild citrus/mixed fruit. Really crisp and very refreshing.

M: Thin and light but in a good way. Good carbonation with a bit of slick creaminess. Really refreshing and perfect when it gets hot up here in New England.

O: Really enjoyed this summer offering from the boys (and girls) at Narragansett. At only 4.2 abv, its extremely sessionable, goes down easy and would be perfect on a hot summer day at the beach. The best of the best for summer beers as far as I'm concerned.

Serving type: can

07-31-2011 03:23:29 | More by Dools9

Brad007

Vermont

4.18/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Finally, another seasonal from Narragansett that I have not tried.

Pours a mild golden color with a one-finger head. Looks light-bodied but will it taste that way?

Sweet malt with little, if any hop character. It certainly fits the style criteria.

Wow. Grassy hops mingle with malt that's balanced (not sweet or dry). Tasty. Kinda pulls ya by the honker.

Carbonation is not so great though. It's too hard to gulp or chug, which means that you'll enjoy it more after mowing the lawn.

Why couldn't they market this as their "light" beer? Regardless, a decent example!

Serving type: can

06-10-2011 02:21:59 | More by Brad007

smcolw

Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Impressive starting head. Leaves extensive lace, both as a ring and as a spider web. Crystal clear with a deep golden color.

Like a malty pilsner--it is balanced with a soft hop presence.

Malt flavor with a touch of grain that wasn't present in the aroma. There's a flowery hop punch in the swallow. A very smooth beer with enough crispness to keep the body spritzy. An excellent Blonde.

Serving type: can

05-26-2012 23:52:09 | More by smcolw

ShogoKawada

Rhode Island

4.15/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

16oz can into short's imperial pint glass.

A- Big fluffy head, very active, settles to 2cm. Bright golden body.

S- Light malt and lemony sweetness.

T- Mild grassy hops and some light, sweet notes. Bitterness creeps in at the finish. Little bit of lemon and spice.

M- High carbonation, lively, refreshing. Good flavors.

O- Overall I'm impressed- Very drinkable, and tasty to boot. Will be buying a lot of this this summer.. Better than most summer beers I've had.

636

Serving type: can

05-08-2011 18:29:24 | More by ShogoKawada