Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Beer Review:Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale

Cricket Hill Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale

This is the first offering from Cricket Hill that I have yet encountered. I certainly hope it isn't the last. This is a unique and refreshing seasonal that leaves me with one question. What is a breakfast ale? Is this a beer that is meant for the beer and egg folks who want some sort of justification for their winning combination? Or is this a beer that is satisfying enough to replace the most important meal of the day? I don't know. I do know that it pours a slightly cloudy pale gold color with a rich malt aroma.

The flavor is very unique. I get a lot of a banana malt flavor like a good hefeweizen but without the wheat flavor. Almost like a hefeweizen yeast was used with some sort of pale barley malt. I really like this. The hops are done exceptionally well also. They are in just the right amount to balance the malt flavor while still adding some bitterness and flavor of their own.

During a time of the year when the only seasonal offerings you can find are hefeweizen and pilsners this is truly a standout. I really have no idea what a breakfast ale is but I want more of them. I congratulate Cricket Hill on their success and look forward to sampling more of their offerings.

Final Score: 89% (Unique and Outstanding Seasonal)