Back East Ale - Back East Brewing Company

Durge

Connecticut

4/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Found in the coolers at Southington Wine & Spirits in Southington, CT this new offering shows a musty copper-brown color with a muscular thick and creamy looking tan head. Plenty of lacing follows. The nose picks up a nice somewhat skunky yeast and malt medley. Leafy but an earthy malt can’t be denied. The flavor offers more skunky malt, cabbage and root beer stuff, woodsy and bits of brown bread. Definitely a little different and I’m liking it. It’s medium bodied with a fairly crispy yet sort of resinous feel. Carbonation is tiny but effective stuff. This can be summarized as a substantially flavored ale with skunky malt appeal for those with such tastes. I enthusiastically approve. For those who, like me, are already fans of the Connecticut favorite Ten Penny Ale from Olde Burnside Brewing, I think Back East might have just one upped them here. Similar but possibly better (both are always welcome in my house!).

Serving type: growler

09-14-2012 18:00:56 | More by Durge

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.6/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a growler into a tumbler pint, the beer is a slightly hazed, carbonated, amber-copper coloring with a thin, sparse, filmy white surface coating. Aromas of rich, sweet caramel and nut, with a decent amount of roasty highlights. Some subtle hops presence at the tail end of the aromas, as well. Flavors are light on a smooth, light body. Roasty flavors initially, with a solid nut and caramel backbone. Malty and rich, with a touch of hops to clean everything off the palate. Mild bitter aftertaste that vanishes quickly for a clean, smooth finish. Very tasty brew.

Serving type: growler

12-16-2012 04:03:06 | More by GarthDanielson

Gambrinus1184

Connecticut

3.73/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a plain, tumbler pint glass from a growler filled on-tap at Back East Brewing Co. in Bloomfield, Conn.

A: Poured a deep, garnet-tinted amber color with a two-finger head of off-white foam which settled into a thin, creamy veil, leaving behind some soapy lacing.

S: Roasted caramel malts and sweet, fruity esters back up some muted toffee notes.

T: Hearty, roasted caramel malts hit the palate first with a little bit of vanilla wafer and smooth, fruity sweetness to build a sturdy backbone. Very mild, herbal hops appear to cut the sweetness a bit. Some grains and slight bittersweetness creep into the relatively dry finish.

M: Medium-bodied ale with a slightly light, dry, grainy finish that doesn't quite match the malty onset, but well-balanced never the less.

O: Back East Amber is a drinkable brew despite the lack of overall intrigue. It's a good introductory beer to the brand and one that should sell well as their flagship. Flavorful malts shine through this sessionable amber ale.

Serving type: growler

08-01-2012 19:39:29 | More by Gambrinus1184

PicoPapa

Connecticut

3.5/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap. Pours a dark copper with almost no head. Minimal lacing. Aromas of caramel malts, earth and some spicy hops. Taste is much like the aroma. Caramel malts upfront with some floral spicy hop notes. A bit earthy and sweet. Somewhat of a root beer taste to this one. Light and crisp. Floral finish. Overall, decent beer ideal for the cooler months. Nothing special but worth trying.

Serving type: on-tap

09-15-2012 21:57:37 | More by PicoPapa

nebula1999

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from growler into oversize mug. Dark amber color. White head fades to 1/4 inch foam.

Smells of caramel, toffee, roasted malts, & a hint of raisin blended with rich grains.

Taste is malty and rich. Mouth filling, but not heavy. Clean. Some mild sweetness, and gentle hops to dry things out. Easy drinking, and I imagine this is great for all seasons, but especially Autumn.

Impressive.

I started the growler, then finished it the next day. It seemed mellower the next day, and was more enjoyable. I wonder what the ABV is? Can't be too strong though, because it doesn't kill me.

Serving type: growler

08-11-2012 22:29:39 | More by nebula1999

ericlawton007

Connecticut

3.93/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a growler purchased from the brewery. Copper in color with the perfect amount of head. A really balanced aroma of malt and hops making you wonder what type of amber ake this will turn out to be. The taste is perfectly balanced, a little aon the malty side with a nutty aftertaste. Excellent addition to a sessionable CT beer. I will definetly be drinking a bunch of this for the coming fall.

Serving type: growler

08-23-2012 01:37:01 | More by ericlawton007