Geary's Summer Ale
D.L. Geary Brewing Company

Geary's Summer AleGeary's Summer Ale
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From:
D.L. Geary Brewing Company
 
Maine, United States
Style:
Kölsch
Ranked #188
ABV:
6%
Score:
82
Ranked #24,998
Avg:
3.61 | pDev: 14.13%
Reviews:
176
Ratings:
290
Status:
Active
Rated:
Jul 10, 2023
Added:
Aug 10, 2001
Wants:
  17
Gots:
  32
The style of this ale is traditionally European, similar to a German kolsch: full bodied with a spicy hop tang and a rich, crystal clear golden color. Alcohol content is approximately 6% by volume.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Todd:
Photo of Todd
Reviewed by Todd from Finland

4.7/5  rDev +30.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Gotta love those slightly buttery, caramel-like toasted and biscuit flavours paired with that distinct Ringwood yeast, spicy flavours and loads of fruity esters. A near perfect, albiet raw on the palate, summer time beer.
Aug 20, 2001
More User Ratings:
Photo of Captain69
Rated by Captain69 from Illinois

3.57/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
refreshing light ale great hot summer day quencher
Jul 10, 2023
Photo of LagerMan_US
Rated by LagerMan_US from Maine

4.11/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Substantial, well rounded , full bodied . . Summer Ale. Mildly hopped, nicely constructed !. Just right.
May 11, 2023
 
Rated: 3.6 by Shiredave from New York

Jul 02, 2022
 
 
Rated: 3.78 by saymike32 from New Jersey

Jun 05, 2020
 
Rated: 3.57 by SethNute from Maine

Aug 03, 2019
 
Rated: 3.4 by O-Meg from New York

Jul 21, 2019
 
Rated: 3.54 by Arg914 from New York

Jul 21, 2019
Photo of SierraNevallagash
Reviewed by SierraNevallagash from Maine

3.97/5  rDev +10%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a crystal clear caramel color. Two finger white heads recedes at a moderate pace to spotty foam and a nice collar

Nose is wonderfully spicy. Some surprising spice depth on the nose, almost a combination of a good Oktoberfest and a good Kolsch. Delicious caramel malts rise to the forefront of the aroma. Some light citrus, malty sweetness, and spice.

Palate is immediate caramel malts, big Munich, sweet and spice. This is a summer ale? Hell no. This is an autumn amber ale! The taste here is the nose personified. Semi-rich caramel malts, some moderate vague spice, light hopping lends a subtle citrus note and bitterness that weighs against the malt sweetness perfectly. Sweeter upfront, and then begins to dry out on the finish, giving g a sense of closure.

Mouthfeel is light in body, but the caramel-y malts adds a slight feeling of weight - which is then counteracted by a medium to medium - high carbonation. I would put this on the very light side of medium bodied. As light as you can go while keeping some heft.

Overall, I saved this for last, after two expensive craft cans, thinking it would be a "better" crappy beer to pair with a broiled hotdog. Man, was I pleasantly surprised. My first offering from Geary's, and I feel bad for not giving more credit. While I'd hardly call this a "summer ale", it drinks as a fantastic autumn ale, perfect for this cold New Endland October night, and a nice broiled beef hotdog.
Oct 20, 2018
Photo of elcarajo
Reviewed by elcarajo from Maine

4.11/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I think of Geary's Summer Ale as being heavier and having more presence than a true Kölsch but I'm guessing it's all in the brewing.

It's also different grin most summer ales in that it doesn't appear to have any added flavoring.

I really enjoy this beer. It's one of the things I look forward to at summertime. It's strong, uncomplicated, and unsullied, and it's extremely refreshing on a hot day.

It's not absolutely perfect - I usually taste iron or perhaps rust, and occasionally get a slight whiff of albumen - but I think it's among the better American beers and it's one that I am pleased and proud to offer such guests as I have.
Aug 23, 2018
 
Rated: 2.84 by pprichar from Massachusetts

Oct 09, 2017
 
Rated: 3.36 by acurtis from New Jersey

Sep 11, 2017
Photo of Lone_Freighter
Reviewed by Lone_Freighter from Vermont

3.75/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Reviewed from notes. The appearance was a clear golden yellow colored body with a one finger white foamy head that quickly dies, slight foamy lacing and rings are left in the wake. The smell had malts and the hops with a bit of citrus in the background. There is a slight biscuity smell ever so slightly in the background. The taste was pretty much the same as the smell with a slight hop bite in the finish. On the palate, it sat at/about a light to medium with moderate carbonation on the tongue. Overall, this is a solid brew by Geary’s that I would come back to.
Jun 30, 2017
 
Rated: 4.1 by littlestevie14 from Massachusetts

May 28, 2017
 
Rated: 3.73 by williahd from Maine

May 28, 2017
Photo of ScaryEd
Reviewed by ScaryEd from New Hampshire

3.53/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.5
Pours a clear golden amber color with minimal white head. Leaves some solid lacing as the head dissipates.

Aromas of grains and bready malts lead the way, followed by some subtle grassy notes and fruityness on the back end.

Taste is very fruity upfront, with some bready notes not far behind. Finishes with some light, hoppy notes and a touch of spice.

The feel is light bodied with lower carbonation. Smooth, but lacks the crispness expected of the style. Very watery with some lingering bitterness.

Overall, a solid Kolsch that is tasty, but lacks in body. Still a very drinkable beer.
May 15, 2017
Photo of DrMullet
Reviewed by DrMullet from Florida

3.6/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Pours a medium amber with a light head.
Smell is sweet with a bit of fruit.
Taste is malty with some caramel. Fruity. Not much floral taste.
Fair Kolsch in my book.
Jan 15, 2017
 
Rated: 3.5 by rdoggg from Pennsylvania

Sep 12, 2016
Photo of GMan310
Rated by GMan310 from California

3.77/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
just a smooth great summer beer. great for BBQ and cookout days outside
Aug 22, 2016
Geary's Summer Ale from D.L. Geary Brewing Company
Beer rating: 82 out of 100 with 290 ratings