Brooklyn Summer Ale - Brooklyn Brewery

ToasterChef

Maine

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

A chilled can is poured into a pint glass. The beer is colored light straw and has a small white head. The low serving temperature has caused the sides of the glass to fog up with condensation.

Slightly sweet malts make up the aroma, with some mild hop bitterness.

The flavor is mild and refreshing. Some pale malts and a bit of grassy hops balance out well.

Medium body and average carbonation. A slight sweetness doesn't cause any stickiness, but does leave a small coat that packs a lot of flavor.

This is an enjoyable summer beer, especially in can form. My wife and I have gone through the 12 pack quickly. I would purchase this beer again.

Serving type: can

07-03-2011 01:15:04 | More by ToasterChef

mdr4669

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

App: Light orange yellow with with about a finger of bubbly carbonated looking head that leaves a patchy lacing around the glass.

Smell: Very balanced smell of sweet sugar, bread malts, and some lemon tartness.

Taste: A bit of a wine like grape taste to start, that is followed by some lemon and some sugar sweetness.

MF: Very light, very easy to drink, a very balanced a laid back summer ale.

OA: If they were ever to make a Brooklyn Light, (I hope that'll never happen)… I hope they just repackage this… It's a fine summer brew.

Serving type: can

07-02-2011 00:33:44 | More by mdr4669

donkeyrunner

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Dark gold with a sassy white head. Not a real stickler for lace or retention. Star bedecked can in the San Diego Chargers powder blue scheme.

Grassy, almost musty, bready aroma.

Tastes snappy with grassy Lemon Zinger tea. Tangy Sunny D-lite citrus. Progressively more bready as it warms. Tastes like a beach beer!

Hooray for cans.

Serving type: can

06-30-2011 23:54:36 | More by donkeyrunner

SpdKilz

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A big thanks to taylor714914 for this great extra. Cheers!

Appearance – Pours a clear, orange color into my glass. About a finger and a half of head is achieved with a careful pour. The head dissipates fast, but leaves great lacing, coating the sides of the glass the whole way down.

Smell – Pale malts, bread, floral/grass/hops, and a hint of lemony citrus. Smells refreshing to say the least.

Taste – A bit more hop kick than the aroma would lead one to believe. The main focus after the initial hop kick is more floral/grassy flavors, mixed with somewhat sweet, earthy malts. Finishes with a hint of sweetness on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – Medium bodied, crisp carbonation. Actually fuller than I was expecting body wise.

Overall – A very enjoyable summer beer. It is hitting the spot right now and would like to have it again in the future.

Serving type: can

06-29-2011 23:14:00 | More by SpdKilz

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

DJED69

New Jersey

3.88/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First, thanks to Brooklyn for canning this beer. I love having another option for tailgating, BBQ or the beach. This is a mild ale that's perfect for a warm, summer day. Color is a nice golden hue with decent head and lace. I actually prefer from the can. Smells of mild yeast, malt, citrus, hops. Taste is crisp with a nice hint of lemon. It's a very drinkable beer. It's not overwhelming in any aspect, but solid all around. A brew I'll revisit all summer long.

Serving type: can

06-27-2011 15:47:46 | More by DJED69

jeffthecheff

Connecticut

3.78/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours with a pale gold color and a slight haze. Nice froth head with decent retention.

Delicate, fresh hops are in the aroma that have a bright, citrus note that matches well with the fruitiness from the yeast. As it warms, some bready malt notes come through. Clean and balanced overall.

Flavor is as balanced as the nose, with just a subtle bitterness and a fruity hop flavor. There is a nice clean malt flavor that comes through, with the balance leaning more towards hops. Finishes with some lingering sweetness. I'd like it a touch drier just because of the hop balance, but overall it is a nice beer.

Serving type: can

06-26-2011 01:00:43 | More by jeffthecheff

dogfishandi

New York

3.55/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz can purchased in a wegmans mix a six pack. at fridge temp poured into an imperial pint glass. OCT 2011 on the bottom of the can.

pours out a cloudy golden color with a big fluffy 3 fingers of white head, or a "4 head" from tiny girlfriend fingers. some nice foamy retention and some decent sticky lace.

a little grain, maybe even some wheat? lemon citrus and a slight snappy hop kick.

grain, slight corn and wheat. lemon citrus with some nice snappy citrus hops and a decent bitterness in the finish.

light bodied. a bit of an airy mouthfeel with ample carbonation.

overall: a nice summer drinker, went down very easily on a nice warm summer night next to a camp fire, but its not really something above average. the only thing that would keep me coming back is that its available in a can.

Serving type: can

06-19-2011 19:15:42 | More by dogfishandi

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

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

mjtiernan

New York

4.18/5  rDev +16.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz can poured into a standard pint glass

A: Golden colored with a generous pillowy head.

S: Earthy malt grains and mildly floral hops.

T: Tastes like a crisp and clean version of a classic British ale. Like the nose, it focuses on earthy malt and mildly floral hops. Not much alcohol to be found which enhances it’s thirst quenching abilities.

M:Super drinkability…slides down the throat. I had to remind myself to slow down and concentrate on the flavor characteristics. This is a quality summertime outdoor brew.

O: This is my kind of summer ale. Simple and refreshing. Not like the over-spiced versions that are loaded with stuff like coriander and grains of paradise like so many other brewers. Thanks Brooklyn.

Serving type: can

06-12-2011 05:12:04 | More by mjtiernan

drunkmonk

North Carolina

3.45/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

In da can, best by 10/2011

A: Pale straw, nice and clear.

S: Cereal grain, faint citrus, slight butter.

T: Much like the aroma, cereal graininess, gives way to a soft citrus finish.

M: Crisp and fizzy. Very Light. Gulp, Gulp,Gulp...

Yeah, this is not a foo, foo, Beer Nerds wet dream, but it sure will hit you in the soft spot after some yard work, kickin back on the deck or porch, or to enjoy at a summer bbq. I'm in, just call me.

Serving type: can

06-06-2011 21:02:00 | More by drunkmonk

indiapaleale

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pour - pale straw colored with a decent sized stark-white head. Clean and clear in appearance. Looks light bodied.

Aroma - some grassy and light malt aromas. A bit of a sour malt smell is evident. I also get a bit of citrus, mostly lemon as well as a faint aroma of fresh hops.

Taste - this is where this beer shines. Okay, the look and smell may not totally grab you but the flavor profile of this summer beer hopefully will. Crisp on the tongue with some light malty sweetness followed by a nice tanginess and some lemon flavors. There is a nice hop flavor in the background and in the finish.

Overall - Brooklyn Brewery did a great thing when they decided to put this beer in a can. It's a great candidate for bringing along on any outdoor adventure and should be easy enough on the palate for pretty much any type of beer drinker. Personally I really enjoyed this beer and as I've never had it in a bottle I'd have to say it was great out of a can.
Would I buy more of it? - absolutely. I bought a 12-pack as that was the only format available and I'm definitely glad I've got a bunch of these left in the fridge.

Serving type: can

06-06-2011 02:50:11 | More by indiapaleale

MikeRa

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +17%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had over at the "Beer Garden " at Hulmeville Inn

A: This beer has a nice pale golden color with a 1" head

S: This beer has a nice sweet floral smell

T: This beer has a nice and bitter citrus taste coming from the floral hops

M: This beer goes down real smooth

O: This is a nice summer beer that I will drink again

Serving type: can

06-05-2011 05:32:00 | More by MikeRa

MadCat

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Looks like I'm the first to review this in CANs! This will make CANquest part 3 for me.

Appearance: A pale straw yellow color, very clear, pours with great white head that dissipates fast but leaves some lacing

Smell: Muted hops, my guess would be East Kent Goldings, but that is purely a guess. Citrusy and floral.

Taste: Very refreshing light taste, light malts, muted hops, somewhat bitter. Some spice, some floral, and some citrus are the main components of this.

Mouthfeel: Light, refreshing, good carbonation

Overall: This makes a perfect summer beer. I just wish it was a little cheaper, but I still don't feel bad if I drink a couple in a sitting. Drinks super easy, and in cans would make a great tailgating beer.

Serving type: can

05-28-2011 02:59:49 | More by MadCat

greenengineer

Massachusetts

2.61/5  rDev -27.3%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

12 oz bottle into ASHRAE pint glass. Beer hour Friday before Memorial Day. "Best Before September 2013"
A - yellow, slightly golden, clear (not cloudy). Head seems CO2 induced, fades quickly.
S - vaguely sweet alcohol smell. A little milky perhaps
T - crisp, light, generic. Not a lot of strong flavor here. A little hint of sour maybe.
M - crisp, light, watery
O - nothing terrible, just tastes like a slightly improved version of a generic macro. Not enough malt backbone to hit the style. Goes down easy, but doesn't satisfy.

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2013 19:34:08 | More by greenengineer

hdf561

Virginia

3.75/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The Brooklyn Brewery beers have just recently made there way into my local groceries so I took a leap of faith and picked up a 6 pack of Summer Ale as I tend to prefer the summer less dark brews in the summer time due to the heat and less filling nature

Drank out of a bottle can definitely smell the hops and bitters right off the bat but it is not too harsh

The taste is initially hoppy but with a very smooth after taste can taste the hops and bread notes a maybe a hint of citrus in there ? Even had my wife taste it to confirm as she drinks a lot of fruity brews and she even noticed it.

I actually really enjoyed this beer and am looking forward to the rest of the 6 pack and the other beers from the Brooklyn Brewery

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 23:31:11 | More by hdf561

brewskifan55

Mississippi

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

Poured into a Perfect Pint glass

A: Straw golden with a white half-finger head that sticks around. Nice lacing.

S: Summery. Lemons and limes. Citrus and floral.

T: Malts slide in nicely. The lemons really pop. Then I got an unexpected shot of lime that surprised me in a good way. Lightly hoppy on the finish. My wife commented that it went well with her burger. Crisp. Sweet.

M: Medium with medium carbonation.

O: A sessionable brew. On tap would be even better. Great after working in the yard.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2013 19:27:06 | More by brewskifan55

patpbr

Ohio

3.78/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Pours golden with a white head and carbination bubbling up. Smell is malty and mostly grain, a little hop presents. The taste is crisp and light, Mostly malt and a little floral and citrus. The hops are mild. Light to medium carbination and a dryer finish. A decent summer beer, easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2013 02:10:59 | More by patpbr

buschbeer

Ohio

3.79/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

12 ounce bottle
Served in a perfect pint glass

A - It is straw colored with millions and millions of carbonation bubbles rising from the etching on the bottom of my glass. I tell you what. There is a couple inches of creamy white head on this beer, and it doesn't go away. Quite impressive.

S - I notice the smell of lemon zest and lime. Is that noble hops? I like it either way. Very refreshing.

T - The lime translates to the taste as well. I also get some lemon grass.

M - It is pretty thin and well carbonated.

O - This is the perfect beer to match to the weather. Spring is in the air and on the tongue!

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 01:24:43 | More by buschbeer

fx20736

New York

3.14/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

bought 2 bottles for $ 1.95 each at Beers of the World on 3/29/13.

poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass, served cool but not cold.

apple juice gold, active carbonation, thin offwhite head, minimal lacing.

aroma: underpowered but slightly toasted malt, a strange but subtle aroma I can't identify somewhere between burnt and skunked. If it were stronger it would be a turn off.

mouthfeel: good, medium.

taste: lightly toasted wheat bread with a touch of spicy hops.

notes: this is not bad beer but it isn't particularly good either. there are so many better beers out there.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 09:41:46 | More by fx20736

AlCaponeJunior

Texas

3.69/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Yellow tan and clear with some rising bubbles and a small head/not a lot of lace.

Smell and taste: Grainy, floral, grassy, a little bit of toast and bread, lightly hopped.

A pleasant and tasty, light, refreshing brew, great summertime beer. Carbonation is pretty good and aftertaste is lightly sweet.

Another good one from Brooklyn.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 20:16:25 | More by AlCaponeJunior

SmashPants

Australia

3.53/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Bottle: standard 355mL brown bottle, decent label - better than your standard macro.

Appearance: pours amber-gold with a very limited head that drops to a thin foam.

Aroma: a good combination of floral hops & a combination of decent grains. Some faint bread malt backing.

Taste: follows the nose very closely, but with extra emphasis on the sweet grains and floral hops. Quite refreshing.

Aftertaste: disappears quite quickly - lucky it's a good sessional.

Mouth feel: again, bang on. Fine yet busy carbonation bringing the flavours through, but more importantly making for a very refreshing ale. Quite thin in body.

Overall: good beer, great sessional summer beer. Not entirely sure it's worth the price - I'd rather a Brooklyn Lager for the price.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 09:39:14 | More by SmashPants

CrazyDavros

Australia

2.83/5  rDev -21.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Pours amber with a quickly fading head.
Nose shows some soft floral and spicy notes but very faint. Also a little malt and vegetal notes underneath.
Flavours are a bit better with some attractive malt and more spicy hops. Very light.
Feels a bit watery.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 08:12:07 | More by CrazyDavros

spicelab

Australia

2.98/5  rDev -17%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Thanks to Beermasons.

Clear light orange. Near-white head of modest heft which falls to a final film and raised collar.

Relatively clean nose of doughy yeast, honey, spicy grass, orange and mild sweet malts. Quite delicate overall.

Starts okay with some pleasant sweet malts and mild citrus hops, before a dull cereal grain character quickly takes hold, seemingly drawing the flavours out of the beer.

Light-bodied with deceptively understated carbonation that delivers an impressively refreshing finish.

Not a bad drop at all. Flavours fall a little flat for mine, but it's still a beer that I would happily drink a few of in its namesake season.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2012 10:04:14 | More by spicelab