(WA) Widmer Brothers Sunburn Summer Ale Gets A B+
Portland, OR – It remains a theme these days in regards to seasonal beers available on the shelf, Summer or Spring beers. Although this writer has had a chance to preview several different beers, none of them have been as different as Widmer Brothers’ Summer Ale.
Starting with a Blond Ale for their base recipe, Kurt and Rob decided that something different was need to this classic and uniquely American ale. Using a relatively new hop addition called Citra, the brewers dry hopped their Sunburn Summer Ale creating hopefully a refreshing aroma with each sip.
Traditionally the Blond Ale is a light, golden (or yellow ale) that is balanced both in the nose and on the tongue. Made annually, you will find this staple beer in breweries across the country as an entry into the art of craft beer. For those in the Northwest, you probably had something similar from breweries like Redhook, Pelican, Rogue, or even Widmer.
Sunburn, is another Blonde Ale that doesn’t disappoint as it pours golden and clear with a strong white head that quickly recedes leaving behind little in regards to lacing inside the glass.
When sipping on a blonde the expectation is a sweet smelling slightly fruity with minor hop bitterness. When one takes a deep whiff of Sunburn you can’t help but pick up on the orange peel zest that is created by the Citra hop, as well as a present floral character.
As we take a sip we are greeted by an initial caramel sweetness that parts for a citrus bitterness, as well as some mild biscuit. Overall this beer does not feel heavy on the tongue and at 4.30% by volume it won’t weigh you down after time spent in the yard or outdoors. Something tells me this would make a nice addition to some pork or barbecued chicken.
About Widmer Brothers Sunburn Summer Ale
Sunburn Summer Brew is a very smooth, refreshing, sessionable ale. Sunburn is light in color, body, and bitterness, but by no means light in flavor. Sunburn’s point of differentiation is that it delivers an abundance of flavor via the new hop called Citra. Citra is aptly named for its thirst quenching citrus flavor and aroma. Sunburn Summer Brew is lighter in alcohol, full in flavor with a crisp finish making this a great beer for any summer afternoon. [more] –source, Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
Thoughts by your colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/8/58274
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/widmer-brothers-sunburn-summer-brew/122913/
B+, definitely worth a shot and would make good for a barbecue
Cheers
About the photos’ author
Paul “Fruit Trees” Orchard, is an amateur craft beer enthusiast and amateur photographer. Throughout the many years in craft beer he is always carrying a camera (smartphone, digital, traditional) and is invites you to see that beer can also be exciting even if you can’t drink the photo.
In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.
