Harvest Ale - Southern Tier Brewing Company

jabel9

New York

4.93/5  rDev +26.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Harvest. This is my favorite time of year. The northeast weather is starting to cool, leaves gaining the fall colors, football season about to begin and Southern Tier releases the Harvest Ale. This is an exceptional brew. A light golden color that surprisingly sits a bit heavy in mouthfeel. The floral hops create an amazing smell which complements this brews extraordinary taste. You can't just enjoy one, as each after the first just exponentially get better. This brew awakens taste buds that have laid dorment since last fall's Harvest. The only thing better than enjoying a Harvest is enjoying it off a tap with friends. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2009 23:10:44 | More by jabel9

cincodm

New Jersey

4.93/5  rDev +26.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured into my Sam Adams pint glasses...

A-Looks like beer, so I assume it is.

S-HOPS!!! Oh boy, I am going to drink the sh*t out of this.

t-In a word...Fantabulously Awesome!!! I love me some hops and this one has just the right amount. Very similar to Nugget Nectar in flavor, and similarly to NN, it tastes more like an IPA than the intended style. I taste citrusy hops up front and a touch of sweetness at the end, with a subtle alcohol flavor. I reviewed another beer on here that was too thin but had good flavor so I gave it a "like it but don't love it rating" because of the mouthfeel, but this one tastes so good I love it. I was only going to have one, but this 6'er is gone.

m-Not great, too thin, but the taste more than makes up for it. You can actually swish it around and release more flavor and get little foam because it is so thin.

d-I am seriously going to drink all 6, and I am not inviting anyone over to share with. I am so sick of Marzens and Pumpkin beers at this point that this is a welcome departure for the season.

I would 100% recommend this to anyone, even non-hopheads.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2009 22:16:24 | More by cincodm

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +25.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I got about a finger of bone-white head with low retention from the pour. The color was a slightly hazy golden-yellow. The nose was spicy and citrusy, specifically, cinnamon and orange zest and I was put in mind of potpourri, plus my mouth started watering. The mouthfeel was medium, approaching full and I got a really tangy orange flavor in the mouth. The finish was more piney and lingeringly hoppy. Shazam! Boy, was this a good beer. I really recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2007 00:50:50 | More by woodychandler

mckajd03

Illinois

4.9/5  rDev +25.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I think my first words were, "Oh, man that's good!" This is one crazy drinkable beer. I could easily have three without blinking. I have no idea where they get off classifying it as an ESB, because it's nothing like any ESB I've ever had. It's more like a pale ale or even IPA. The hops are so floral and citrusy- a nice hint of clementine. But there's also this sweetness that is what makes it so drinkable. It is in no way overpowering, but it's what makes it a bit harder to categorize. I'm not sure if they changed the recipe from last year, but judging by the comments, it seems a lot of people like this season's batch.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2009 01:49:51 | More by mckajd03

dick783

New York

4.78/5  rDev +22.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Has a nice gold color with an orange hue and a pure white head on top that stays. The smell is deliciously earthy. Lots of piney hops with a bit of citrus hidden in there. And it tastes just like it smells. That piney hop flavor is everywhere, but balanced well enough with the malt so that its not overpowering. The mouth feel is good and full, with just the right amount of carbonation. It finishes with a pleasant, bitter aftertaste that lasts. Excellent beer for the fall.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2005 13:27:27 | More by dick783

corey0212

Massachusetts

4.72/5  rDev +20.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Pours a mostly-clear golden/yellow color, smallish soapy white head fades out really quickly, leaves a ring of various sized bubbles around the glass, a few patches of lacing. Smell is wayyyy hoppy! Juicy grapefruit on the nose, some pineapple, and a soft doughy sweetness. Very hop-forward taste, but it isn't quite as explosive as the nose would suggest, and that's a good thing. Slight piney taste, and all very expertly balanced with the sweet malt. Medium-bodied, slightly creamy, and a just-right amount of lingering hop bitterness. 5.20 ABV?!! Fantastic drinkability here. I'm picking up a case of this, without a doubt. This is the kind of beer you'd want to drink outside, leaves burning, with the hot and sticky summer just a distant memory. Love this!

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2008 22:04:13 | More by corey0212

jsh420

Illinois

4.72/5  rDev +20.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

pours bright golden yellow with a 2 finger head that coats the glass with lacing

smells of citrus hops - has ipa all over not esb

taste - wow... this is by far ST's best beer the offer in a 12oz (too bad its a seasonal) - to me it seems like hopsun with more citrus/lemon hops

mouthfeel is light crisp and refreshing - what more could you ask for

drinkability is outstanding - i will be going back to the store for more

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2009 00:44:13 | More by jsh420

Homebrew35

Connecticut

4.68/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a three finger fluffy white head and has a georgeous golden rod honey color.
It has a very nice citrus, floral sweet smell.
Tastes initially sweet, citrusy, some lavender floral character, then smoothly transitions to a medium dry slightly coating finish.
Medium carbing, medium bodied.
Drinks well for me, a few could go down very easily.
This one is well balanced for me. Yum

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2010 14:47:30 | More by Homebrew35

HappyHourHero

Indiana

4.65/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I bought a sixer of this beer a week or so ago, it wasn't in the system, so I hid one from myself in the back of the fridge. The Harvest Ale I drank was a hop monster, it wreaked of hops, and tasted very similar to their IPA. I liked the way it tasted before, but it wasn't what I thought a harvest fest should taste like, this bottle is a whole different story.
It poured golden orange, had a nice off white head that slowly faded away. The smell is great, big juicy hops. The taste is just frickin awesome. Its still got the hoppyness to it, but instead of taking your tongue and beating the hell out of it, it rubs your tongue until you're one happy camper. TRY THIS BEER! Yum, yum, yum, happy, happy, happy. Lot's of tasty hops, yet well balanced, just damn tasty. I haven't tried enough fall seasonals to tell you its the best out there, but this one single beer is the most impressive beer I've had in recent memory. Maybe its because I wasn't expecting much, but I am totally blown away. Time to drink the rest, woohoo!!!

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2003 04:22:14 | More by HappyHourHero

Celt44

New York

4.63/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

This is the first time I've seen this one - suprising considering we're not too far from Lakewood and we get most all of Southern Tier's products in this area.

Appearance is very good - medium transparent amber - head dissipates after a while but lacing lasts throughout.

Aroma is exceptionally superior for a beer of this type. Floral hops jumps right out almost as strong as their delicious IPA. Undertones of malt, pine, and orange present.

Taste - piney hops upfront along with grapfruit - more robust than most of the type. Smooth malty character for a finish.

Mouthfeel is smooth and drinkability is superior. I am thoroughly impressed with this beer. I love their IPA and Porter but IMHO this beer is their best.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2006 22:59:18 | More by Celt44

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.6/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Wow, another godsend from NY, this beer is just as tasty and possibly more balanced as their IPA. These guys are doing some things right I am by far more impressed with their beers than anything out of the Matt Brewing Co. (Saranac). Appearance: Copper orange body nice white head with evenly disributed lacing, perfect. Aroma: Nice full pine cone and citrus scented hops plentiful hop aroma, with a lucious malt backbone. Taste: Well balanced with an overall excellent snappy hop bite to it, awesome caramel tinged malts very very good. Mouthfeel: Medium bodied smooth carbonation no complaints. Drinkability: A go to for myself hits my beer soul just right, so easy drinking and flavorful at the same time ideal session brew in my eyes.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2003 21:00:51 | More by WVbeergeek

funkengruven

Ontario (Canada)

4.6/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

As far as this style of beer goes, this stuff is great!

This poured a nice strawy yellow with a slight bit of head lingering on the top. Smell is inmistakably hoppy. The hops in the flavor of this brew are interesting, they have a very grapefruit like aroma to them and the aftertaste has a sweet finish which I really liked. Remarkably smooth and easy to drink as well.

As far as APAs go, this one's a beauty.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2007 20:54:35 | More by funkengruven

vinneef

Ohio

4.6/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Excellent fall beer.Never had a esb quite like this one.Taste like amarillo hops,which I love, mixed with the taste of fall.This is my favorite fall beer.Better than any pumpkin or oktoberfest for my taste.Don't expect a esb when you try it.Nothing like an esb I have tasted.Much better.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2009 22:35:19 | More by vinneef

quincyships

Massachusetts

4.6/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer is whack. No, it's wiggety-whack. Smooth, smooth, smooth ESB body with very light color draws you in (unless you're tipped off by the drippin' fresh hop aroma) and the hop bite throws you off the bridge, until the smooth finish makes you realize you're on an awesome beer bungee. The only logical reaction is to climb back up and jump again.

Appearance: crystal clear, almost too-light looking

Aroma: Am I in the hop field?

Taste: In spite of what you saw and smelled, this beer has an awesome balance. It's wicked hoppy but not over the top. I want to make this.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2009 02:19:13 | More by quincyships

ZAP

Minnesota

4.6/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This is so drinkable. Great hop profile. Fresh piney notes are strong as are some basic citrus (oranges, ripe grapefruit)...there is also a light tropical fruit note of mango and papaya.

What makes it all come together is the sugar cookie like malt backbone...some sbiscuity notes as well. The malt combines fantastically with the hops...

Light side of medium bodied...really slides down with enjoyment. Similar to the Goose Harvest Ale but this has more flavor...

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2010 04:36:32 | More by ZAP

goz

Massachusetts

4.58/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a clear light amber, with a big fluffy white head that mostly lasts, leaved great lace on the glass. Aroma is biscuity malts, with lots of fresh floral and pine from the abundant hops. Flavor starts with some good biscuit and caramel maltiness, ends with a huge fresh tasting hoppy goodness. Medium-full bodied, extremely good stuff. Thanks to jah noth for this fine ale.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2003 01:15:45 | More by goz

bobsy

Ontario (Canada)

4.58/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A very American interpreatation of an ESB (I'd call this an IPA for sure). Pours a radiant burnished gold with a large sticky white head that laced prodigiously. Stunning looks. Huge hoppy aroma - all sorts of citrus in abundance. The flavour revelaed much of the same... lots of citrus going on and lending an impressive bitterness. Some solid malts to back it up, and balance everything. Sticky mouthfeel with light carbonation. This is another excellent offering from Southern Tier and sure to satisfy all you hopheads. Thanks for sharing, Shawn!

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2008 23:10:52 | More by bobsy

TurdFurgison

Ohio

4.58/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I picked up two 6-packs of this in Columbus, $9.99 each. First off it must be said that this is not an ESB (the style currently entered on BA). This strikes me as an APA or something of that ilk. The beer is crystal clear, golden colored, with a thin 1-finger head that laces onto the glass. The aroma is all amarillo hops, at least as far as I can tell. Based on smell alone I don't think I could distinguish this from Gumballhead (which is not a bad thing). I'm getting lots of citrus like grapefruit, orange, and maybe some non-citrus mango. The taste is nearly equal to the smell, and again it reminds me a lot of Gumballhead. Lots of sweetness from the hops and abundant malt based on mouthfeel, slightly bitter aftertaste which seems to come from the hops again. The body is on the thicker side for such a light looking and smelling beer. This is a big winner from Southern Tier, definitely worth a repeat.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2009 21:34:25 | More by TurdFurgison

Deuane

Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On tap at Al's of Hampden--nice to have this on tap, for when fresh it is the best harvest ale out there.

A-Brilliant, light golden yellow with a medium bright white head that reduces slightly and deposits spotty lace.

S-FRESH citrus hop smack up front--but not overwhelming. Light touch of spiciness in the background. All of this hop goodness is nicely suppported by a light, but present sweet biscuit aroma.

T-Mmmm, mmmm....FRESH, citrus hops with a touch of spice. Light biscuit malt base simply comes along for the ride. This one is all about the freshness of whole hops!

M-Medium-light to maybe even light bodied. This is fine with me as it is super sharp and crisp with LONG lingering hop bitterness that never becomes annoying as it quickly fades between sips only to be established again with the next quaff!

D-Without a doubt my most favorite harvest ale out there. Fairly low ABV and that sharp citrus hop zing that I love. There must be Amarillo hops in here....my number one hop variety! Simply outstanding and a brew I look forward to enjoying every fall!

Serving type: on-tap

09-15-2009 06:16:28 | More by Deuane

billab914

Virginia

4.58/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

This is a beer I keep stocked pretty much as long as it last on the shelves. This might be my favorite harvest ale, something that I look forward to each year.

Pours a light gold color with a modest amount of head. Good clarity and overall a very nice looking beer. Hop aroma is fantastic, I love the smell of this beer. A lot of sweet citrus aroma that is very appealing. Taste is also very good, lots of sweet citrus hops up front with some bitterness at the end. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, slightly creamy finish. Very drinkable, I could drink this beer all night.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2009 20:46:06 | More by billab914

xhcadamx

Maine

4.53/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A - hazy gold with a huge cap of frothy white head. tons of lacing

S - a mix of west coast hops with biscuit malt

T - very strong hop presence but not overwhelmingly bitter. Well balanced with the malt flavors

M - not a lot of carbonation and was somewhat thick and medium bodied.

D - I have had two southern tier beers so far and both were way above expectations.

The beer pours a hazy gold color with a thick frothy white head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is great. It has a wonderful hop scent that balances the malt aroma nicely. It boasts of pale, crystal, and bisquit malts. The taste is good. It has a bitter and earthy flavor that goes down smooth and finishes dry and bisquity. It has a nice breadlike quality. The mouthfeel is great. It is a medium/full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a really good seasonal. I've heard of it mentioned the last couple of years, but could never get any. This is a fine drinker.

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2009 11:25:29 | More by xhcadamx

BeerImmediately

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

What a pleasant surprise! My first experience with Southern Tier is a great one...

Poured a 12 oz bottle into a nonic style glass. Had a slightly hazy, pale yellow color, with a solid two-finger head.

Wow, what a terrific aroma - I'm not that keen on picking up intricate scents in beer, but this one hits you with a wonderfully sweet orange smell, and some cinnamon as well.

The taste then surprised me a little - sweet, juicy grapefruit with just a touch of ripe pineapple, and balanced nicely with a hint of malt.

Mouthfeel was very nice as well, with tight carbonation.

Excellent drinkability - just sharp enough to make this beer refreshing AND fulfilling at the same time. Could easily work through a few of these in a night.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2007 00:32:21 | More by BeerImmediately

kkosmoski

New York

4.5/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served at 50F into a Dogfish off-centered pint glass. A very clear light golden color in the glass with an airy white head of about two fingers after a vigorous pour. Foam clings to the side of the glass as it settles down. Smell is of sweet taffey, light toast, and pungeant earthy hops with some citrus mixed in. Flavors start of with a pithy, citrus bitterness along with some sweetness - maybe candied orange peel, and remain on the sweet side until the finish. It ends with a subdued grapefruit bitterness coupled with a very delicate grainy touch. Mouthfeel is quite full and sticky with a relaxed carbonation. Drinkability is very good with a great balance between malt and hops and a moderate abv. A very nice fall brew from Southern Tier that displays very fresh ingredients from the recent harvest.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2008 22:33:04 | More by kkosmoski

NoahSYGG

New York

4.5/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is an excellent beer. It is super citrusy hoppy. It is slightly cloudy. It has a great hop aroma. It has a nice 2 finger head with nice lacing. It is nice and sweet to balance the hoppy overtones. This is a wonderful beer for any hop head. It focuses on my favorite aspect of the hop,flavor and aroma. If you come across this beer, pick it up.

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2009 20:35:10 | More by NoahSYGG

Tbone

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

In short, one of the best Harvest Ales around.

A light and crisp body that goes down easy, but with a very nice citrusy hop character and lingering bitterness.
I don't get all of the lower ratings (B-) for this beer, but then very few beers that are under 6% have above B+ ratings here.

The beer pours a slightly hazy bright yellow with a nice white head that leaves notable hop lacing. It smells mostly of grapefruity hops that make your mouth water. Taste is more of the same, but with an enjoyable lingering bitterness. The English hops in a beer this hoppy make for an less common experience.

I normally prefer a heavier mouthfeel, but this light mouthfeel suits me just fine. Drinkability is as good as it gets. I've had 2 six packs and a few bar pints of this in the past month, which is probably more of any single beer in a month period than any other beer over the past 10 years.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2009 19:44:54 | More by Tbone