Sebago Brewing Company – Slick Nick Winter Ale

Sebago Brewing Company – Slick Nick Winter Ale

THE POUR: Sebego’s Slick Nick Winter Ale pours a light and clear amber.

THE AROMA: A malty spice, usual for a winter beer. Not an overpowering smell here.

THE TASTE: Smooth, and and slightly sweet. Very crisp, and I would almost say “light” for a winter ale. Lots of caramel malts produce the sweetness.

THE DECISION: A malty winter ale, and a nice one. The sweet-spiciness works well and produces an original winter brew that stands out from the pack. I wouldn’t say it is in the head of the pack, but stands out nonetheless.

THE GRADE: B+

Review- Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale

Even though the leaves on the trees are rapidly diminishing, fall is still here. We’ve only had one snow storm In Boston so far this year and that’s already enough for me. To keep my fall spirits high I decided to partake in Shipyard’s Smashed Pumpkin Ale.

I poured it into a snifter and heavily enjoyed it. I should also note that the beer was drank at room temperature.

The initial pour left about a quarter of an inch of head and a very pleasant pumpkinny (pumpkinish?) Smell. not spicy or syrupy sweet smelling. It held an Orange amber color after the pour.

The Smell Beget the taste. It was a very solid ale. Pumpkin notes in it but not like drinking liquid pumpkin Pie. It had a very crisp aftertaste and I felt was an excellent beer.

Allagash – Four Ale

Allagash – Four Ale

THE POUR:
A very cloudy brown with a thin head. The head does not stay longer than 30 seconds to 1 minute!

THE AROMA:
Spicy, wheat sent with a kick of sweet apple. Also notes of dark raisinish fruit accompanied by a floral knockout!

THE TASTE:
Very spicy in the front, as the beer mellows in your mouth it reveals it’s wonderful fruit and floral notes, that rest on your palate, then the bread like quality. After your finish the booze warms your throat down to your belly.

THE DECISION:
This beer was amazing! The overall complexity of this beer was very well put together. Very well balanced, the hops are very well complemented by the spiciness. High ABV at 10% so sip with caution.

THE GRADE: A

Shipyard Brewery – Smashed Pumpkin

Shipyard Brewery – Smashed Pumpkin

THE POUR:
Light copper color with a spicy nutty pumpkin aroma, not much head.

THE TASTE:
Spicy full bodied and fairly hoppy, a good pale ale. Alcoholic content is there but didn’t destroy the taste.

THE DECISION:
All in all this is a very different beer than pumpkinhead. Not as sweet and mild, much more hops are used here. A little bit of that bitter bite. Warning; at 9% abv it is a strong brew only available in 1pint 6 oz bombers. I was left with a great taste and a buzz. Pairs well with pumpkin pie.

THE GRADE: A-