Brooklyn Summer Ale - Brooklyn Brewery

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

First had: ?

Pours a golden color, white head, minimal lacing. Grainy aroma, grassy, with light hints of citrus. Taste is light and crisp, grassy, a slight citrus twist. Light body, some carbonation, pretty crisp and refreshing. Moderately drinkable, and a good summertime brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2010 16:18:49 | More by Rifugium

glid02

Georgia

3.58/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On-tap at the Porter in Atlanta.

Pours a clear golden-straw color with a one-finger white head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving decent lacing.

Smells of light malts with moderate amounts of indistinct light and medium fruits and mild amounts of buttery diacetyl.

Tastes similar to how it smells, although the malt flavors are more influential than they are in the aroma. Mildly grainy pale light malt flavors kick things off and are joined shortly thereafter by light fruit flavors. Midway through the sip very small amounts of diacetyl flavors join in, carrying through to a mildly bitter ending. As the beer warms the diacetyl flavors fade.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with moderate carbonation.

Drinkability is OK. I finished my glass without a problem however I'm not sure about another.

Overall this wasn't a bad beer but it wasn't crisp enough for a style that has little room for error. Not worth seeking out but not worth turning down either.

Serving type: on-tap

08-04-2010 00:20:33 | More by glid02

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

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

Summer is still a few days away, but I simply CAN't wait! I held The CANQuest (TM) in abeyance for an extended period and now it is time to advance the CAN cause. I hope you CAN forgive me.

From the CAN: "Brooklyn Summer Ale is a summer refresher with difference. The difference comes from the malt - 100% British two-row barley, prized for superior taste. Our Summer Ale is gold in color, with a soft bready flavor, snappy clean bitterness and bright hop aroma, and will taste best before the date indicated [Oct 2011]."

The Crack & Glug went off without a hitch and I quickly had two rocky, foamy fingers of bone-white head with decent retention. Color was a deep golden-yellow with NE-quality clarity. Nose had a grassy bitterness along with a biscuity characteristic. Mouthfeel was medium with a grassy, biscuit malty sweetness on the tongue. Finish was quite pleasant, very refreshing, semi-dry. I would definitely put this in the cooler this summer.

Serving type: can

06-16-2011 21:27:49 | More by woodychandler

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

3.6/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I had ice cream twice today. Twice. It seems excessive, but 'tis the season no? Today at times I drove with the windows down, the sunroof popped; at other times with the AC cranked. The summer is my favourite time of year. The women wear those lovely sun dresses, my favourite Latin rhythms feel all the more appropriate, and the beer tastes better - well, simple lagers and pales ale anyhow. After an eventful June day of beautiful weather and an impending trip to New York City, the Brooklyn Summer Ale seems perfectly suited.

Pours with a creamy level of white head. The lacing clings hard to the glass. The body a clear and glossy but pale golden shade. A constant stream of bubbles is very active. A soothing almost therapeutic aroma of very subtle yet ripe hops. A fruity underscore with notes of grapefruit and pomegranate. A very strong wheat bill as well. The 'harvest wheat' smell and green, ripe hops compliment each other so very well. They certainly add character.
The carbonation is spot on with accompanying creamy texture. A low level bitterness but some pinch of wheat on the finish. The flavour is dominated by a whole-wheat graininess. Reminds me of eating a whole grain bagel. The yeast (is this bottle conditioned? .. no?) seems noticeable at times as well. The hops lend some staying power to the beer. Simple flavour, not overly tasty but free of adjuncts and with far more dimension than a pale macro lager.
For a summer style ale this is quite quenching without compromising any of its flavour. Brooklyn brewery seems to offer a good product.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2007 03:08:28 | More by biegaman

Georgiabeer

Georgia

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

Pours golden with a tightly beaded white head that settles to a ring in relatively short order. Smells of clean, tangy malt with some fresh grainy smells. The taste is similar- the grain is even more pronounced, the tanginess less so. Clean, but with a decent body and depth of flavor. It's fairly light, of course, but there are some earthy hops on the finish to add a little interest. Nicely balanced, light, and tangy, so this drinks well in the summer- still, I could use some more flavor to sustain my interest- not my favorite style, but pretty well done.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2008 06:28:23 | More by Georgiabeer

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

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

A: Clear yellow hue, high effervescence, small white head that leaves a small amount of lacing.

S: Slightly sweet malt with a hint of lemon. Smells like your basic summer ale.

T: Easy going with an overall good flavor. No astringency or off taste. This beer is really simple and pleasant. Nothing fancy here, just a decent straight forward summer ale.

M: Adequate carbonation and smooth feel.

D: Lacks complexity and intrigue, but it's a good quality beer to throw back if you're in the mood for it.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2010 00:57:11 | More by Huhzubendah

avalon07

South Carolina

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

A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a yellowish color and a mostly thin texture. There was a small amount of foamy head that quickly dissipated. Decent lacing.

S: A big malty smell with this one, along with some hops.

T: A sharp taste of barley malt and hops. Not the most complex taste, but definitely likable.

M: This beer has a lively amount of carbonation and a super dry finish. Light-bodied.

D: While I'm not a huge fan of pale ale, but this was a tasty, easy to drink brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2009 13:08:16 | More by avalon07

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

2.68/5  rDev -25.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Pours a pale orange color with a white head. Aromas of corriander and spice and a mix of wheat and pale malt tones. In the taste, well it seems kind of wheat ale like, hints of spice and a dry end. Refreshing with a dry aftertaste. Kind of a standard summer ale, not huge on flavor, but refreshing and non offensive.

Serving type: on-tap

08-20-2007 13:53:16 | More by OWSLEY069

scruffwhor

Illinois

2.78/5  rDev -22.6%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Color is a very golden, light amber hue. Good two finger head after the pour that quickly recedes to a strong film of foam. The aroma makes me thin k of an American pale wheat ale. Light fruit notes with some adjuncty corn goodness. But there are some flower hop aroms in this beer as well. The taste has bready malt with a light note of bananas and corn. Bitter, yet sessionable aftertaste of flower vines. The palate is crisp and starchy. This beer makes me think of a bitter pale wheat ale than an English pale ale. Pretty refreshing beer, although I might not care for the flavors and the categorization.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2008 02:14:02 | More by scruffwhor

ZAP

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +23.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I like this better than I anticipated. There is a nice light bready/biscuity maltiness and a soft floral hop dimension....The body is not immense but it does not come off as watery at all considering the style...I like the fact this does not have that overdone lemony hop bite to it a lot of beers in this style have....it has a subtle lemon impression which fits nicely.

Really a nice fresh floral aroma to this too..

A summer ale that fits the bill. Would drink nicely at the beach or pool, after a softball game or at a BBQ.

Nice beer. Tough to find low abv beers this good.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2011 05:05:09 | More by ZAP

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I picked this up at Quick six in West York, PA. Poured chilled from the brown 12oz bottle into a tumbler.

A - Dark golden/light amber shade w/ 1/1/2 inch basic light head and thick lacing holds

S - A pleasant fruit aroma w/ gentle floral and sweet herbal hops w/ mild sweet malt scent

M - A light nuttiness w/ moderate bitterness from the hops w/ mellow carbonation and semi-dry finish

T - Crisp w/ light hop flavor and mild sweet fruit and nut taste. The flavor is mildly bitter pine w/ sweet caramel and hints of bitter earthy notes as the hop flavor lingers. The taste is fruity intermittently w/ mild red apple flavor

D - A tasty ale, but not my fave in Brooklyn's line-up. It is a good pale ale and appropriate to the style but avererage among a pack of pales

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2009 23:10:09 | More by Slatetank

kylehay2004

Florida

3.73/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Thin white head over a straw with golden color.

S: Bread, light lemon and malt.

T: Malt, toasty and bready. Citrus notes.

M: Mildly dry which takes away from the refreshing aspect of many beers in this category. On the lighter side of medium bodied. Moderate carbonation.

Overall: A nice beer. Good choice for canned beer. Not my favorite in the genre but drinkable for those summer months.

Serving type: can

08-03-2011 00:25:22 | More by kylehay2004

twiggamortis420

Texas

3.98/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a crystal clear light golden color with a thick layer of fine foam that has good retention and lacing.

Smell is spicy and lively with kolsch-like yeasty aromas and freshly malted barley. A fair amount of floral and herb hoppiness.

This is a nice, flavorful take on a summer ale. Grassy hop flavors add a nice crispness to the heavy bready maltiness. Plenty of carbonation add to the thirst quenching quality of this beer. I think just about anyone who drinks beer can appreciate this one. Me likey.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2009 17:46:36 | More by twiggamortis420

nickfl

Florida

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

A - Pours with one finger of white foam on a deep golden body with decent clarity. The head settles down quite quickly and leaves little lace on the glass.

S - Bready malt notes, accompanied by some lightly musty hop aromas.

T - Biscuit and toast malt character up front with a bit of husky grain character. Some grassy hops show up in the middle with more toast and a hint of bitterness. The beer finishes out with a good dose of toasted malt and light bitterness as well as some musty hop notes that linger on the palate.

M - Medium-thick body, moderate carbonation, and a somewhat dry finish.

D - Not a bad beer, but really nothing particularly special. The malt is fairly strong throughout, with enough hops to balance, but really not much character over and above that. A pretty passable beer for hot weather, but if you want to put some effort into it, you wouldn't have much trouble finding something better.

Serving type: can

07-03-2011 06:45:41 | More by nickfl

DefenCorps

Oregon

3.73/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle that I grabbed today, best before Dec 2009, so it's pretty fresh. Into my Sam Smith pint glass

A: Brilliantly clear amber with a thin white head that leaves a little lacework.

S: Mildly hoppy, with the expected leafy and earthy characteristics but with a citrus twist that brightens things up. Candied orange. Mild malt sweetness is present with some caramel. Solid

T: Opens earthy and mineraly with a firm hop character before a moderate malt character with some mild caramel and citrus comes through. Mildly chalky as well, I'm guessing that's the mineral content in the beer. Finishes dry with a faint hop character.

M: I know this is not an imperial stout, but a little bit more body behind the mineral character would do this beer wonders. That said, I wonder if it's my newness to the style that makes me feel that way. Medium-high carbonation and an enjoyable finish

D: I'm having no problems drinking this, I'd love to try it on cask, though.

**Edit 16 July 2012**

Haven't had this in a while, figured I'd revisit. Best by Nov 2012.

The nose is rather excellent and refreshing. Doughy, bready, slightly caramelized with some golden raisins, there's a prominent hoppiness, fresh, vibrant, zesty and snappy. I have nothing to add to my notes above, though I would say this isn't super-chalky. My criticism about the body does stand. That said, this is a very satisfying beer and reveals as much as you'd like to look for.
S/T/M = 4/3.5/3.5

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2009 00:55:39 | More by DefenCorps

bark

Sweden

2.73/5  rDev -24%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

The beer makes a loud tssss sound when I pop the cap. The high head is warm beige and compact. The clear liquid is pale copper (18 EBC). Some lacing occurs, good head retention.

The smell is very smooth and hoppy. Some American notes, but I can’t decide where it comes from American hops or from the dry-hopping. The bitterness is mild, as is the sweetness. Lemon and orange peel, apricots, biscuits, toffee and dried fruits. Hints of raisins and resin in the background.

The taste is first quite light with some sour lemon flavours. Dried fruits, biscuits, fresh apricots and apples. The body is light to medium. In fact, the green apple flavours (acetaldehyde) and a slightly dry note gets stronger in the aftertaste. There are some notes of dried fruits and a mild sweetness. The finish is very dry with a distinct flavour of banana skids.

The carbonation is mild, the small bubbles light. The liquid is dry, almost astringent.

A slight disappointment, this one.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2011 18:13:19 | More by bark

bluejacket74

Ohio

3.7/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 ounce bottle, best before October 2007. Served in a pint glass, the beer pours a golden color with an inch and a half white head. Head retention and lacing are both very good. It smells like grassy hops, grain and sweet malt, along with an earthy aroma. It tastes like grain, sweet malt, grapefruit and grassy/earthy hops. Mouthfeel is light, crisp and clean. Drinkability is good, it's not a bad choice as a session beer as it's smooth and goes down easy. I think this is a pretty decent brew, good and sessionable but even better on a hot summer day.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2007 01:50:08 | More by bluejacket74

tpd975

Florida

3.83/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a mild golden yellow in color. There is a medium head that fades to a small rim atop the glass. There is a slow stream of bubbles making their way to the top to keep that little head around.

S: This beer has a nice malty aroma to it. I can also detect a nice sweetness that reminds me of the smell of Big League Chew bubblegum. I like it.

T: This is a nice brew. Starts out nice and malty. This really reminds me of a wheat beer. There is a very mild hop character in the finish which is pretty dry.

M: Nice level of carbonation to this medium to light bodied brew. Crisp is the best adjective for this beer.

D: Goes down smooth with the perfect level of carbonation. Quaffable? Yes.

Overall: This beer is poundable. It's not a world class beer by any means but take it for what it is an easy drinking good tasting beer. You could line these up down the bar and keep them coming. I won't fill my refrigerator with them, but it’s a good tasting nice drinking beer. I could see why others would love it.

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2007 20:32:30 | More by tpd975

FosterJM

California

3.6/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

573rd Review on BA
Can to Pint
12oz

Thanks to Bob for the extra.

App- A nice darker yellow with lots of bubbles. Huge 2 finger head that faded super quick. Not any visible cling.

Smell- A bit of a creamy milk smell with the hops on top. No real malt scents to me.

Taste- Its okay, I dont think its cold enough due to traveling. The creamy malts dominate and has a slight hoppy bitter taste. As its warmer the flavors become a bit perfumy.

Mouth- Medium bodied and medium carbonated. Nice creamy feel with little bitter flavors.

Drink- Overall, its slightly better than average but still tasty. The malts are clean and well done but not as flavorful as could be.

Serving type: can

06-19-2011 04:44:38 | More by FosterJM

LilBeerDoctor

New York

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

Reviewed on 6/13/08. On tap at the local bar. Pours amber with a small white head. Surprisingly hoppy (floral) with a wheaty sweet malt that balanced well with the hops. One of the better summer ales I've had and quite underrated on this site. Reminds me of SNPA just a little less hoppy. Good beer, quite drinkable.
7/4/7/4/13 (3.5/5)

Serving type: on-tap

12-20-2008 15:32:43 | More by LilBeerDoctor

champ103

Texas

2.42/5  rDev -32.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

A: Pours a clear golden color. A minimal white head forms, and recedes to nothing. Not much lace is left behind.
S: Soapy and oily hops. Like dish detergent. Some grainy sweetness. That is about it.
T: Big hops up front that are very soapy and oily. Again, tastes like dish detergent. Cereal, grain, and a light sweetness. A sharp, and harsh lingering bitterness.
M/D: A light body that is way to slick and oily. Thin and watery as well. I did not care to finish the pint at all.

A substandard English Pale Ale to say the least. Way to much soapy hops going on. Not something I enjoyed, and would not recommend.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2011 04:20:24 | More by champ103

Brent

Kentucky

4.1/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is an excellent example of what a summer ale should be - light without being watery, flavorful without being overbearing, a bit tart but not sour, lemony but not citrusy. This beer finds the ideal middle ground on all points so as to be a most drinkable hot-weather quencher, yet not just a lawnmower beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2010 13:26:15 | More by Brent

alexgash

Connecticut

4.05/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. bottle.

Clear golden body with yellow edges. Thick frothy finger of beige-white head. Good lacing. Fresh, perfume-y hop nose. Marmalade, zesty orange, flowers, and chamomile. Biscuity malt background with a shortbread sweetness.

Taste follows the nose. Biscuit malt base plays second fiddle to a very citrusy and tangy hop flavor. Marmalade and lemon zest. Thirst quenchingly citrusy with some acidity and a dry finish. Moderate body with a bubbly feel (would prefer a smoother feel). Lingering toffee/biscuit malt late in the finish. A good hot weather ale that should drink very nicely out on the porch.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2008 00:02:55 | More by alexgash

blackie

Virginia

3.65/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

single from Whole Foods Raleigh, notched as best by October 2007

a: Give a one finger white head when poured, gradually receding to leave a nice layer throughout. The beer is a clear medium-golden in color. Nice lacing.

s: Minerally aromas and earthy hops greet the nose alongside hard, grainy biscuits. Good in a simple way.

m: Bright, medium carbonation and a body on the lighter side of the medium range.

t: Typical Brooklyn flavors (from the water?) are immediately noticeable. English malts give subtler grainy and stale biscuit flavors accompanied by very earthy hop flavors. Pretty clean and dry on the tongue. A medium bitterness cleans up the finish. Just a touch watery.

d: Certainly easy. Another pleasant beer from Brooklyn.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2007 03:19:30 | More by blackie

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

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

12oz can served in a standard pint glass.

L - slightly hazed yellow color with a decent sized white head that left a trail of lacing.

S - English malt and some grassy hops.

T - good balance of malts and hops with a light bittering on the finish.

F - light/medium bodied with a smooth, crisp feel.

O - a solid beer that goes down easy.

Serving type: can

06-28-2011 23:58:45 | More by JoeyBeerBelly