introduction to summer brews...

Anchor Summer Beer (4.5%): Another seasonal release from Anchor Brewing, San Francisco. I know that it is still not quite the weather for real summer wheat beers. Therefore I chose something in between: Anchor Summer is a top fermented ale beer produced from half malted wheat and half malted barley mash. The beer is distributed from April through October every year and comes in classic 12.0oz Anchor bottles. Look: Crystal clear, golden yellow color. Like a German lager. No cloudiness whatsoever like we used to see in wheat beers. Bubbly with nice firm and consistent head dissolving very slow. Nose: Again it noses like a lager. Very crisp... Freshly squeezed lemon juice and active yeast aromas from barley, butter, white bread crust aromas from wheat. Palate: Very balanced. Brisk citrus peel, fresh cut grass and a little dry garden turf. Slightly salted baked goods, like brioche or warm baguette. I can taste a little tartness. Pine and resin notes comes with a considerable long hoppy finish like a pilsner. Overall: A very refreshing beer but not bland and boring like most "summer" lagers. On the other hand also don't expect a German style wheat beer. Pretty unique marriage of two different type of malts. Exactly what the label promises: a great summer beer... I have to admit it was just a little early for it though. Cannot wait to stock it in the refrigerator for summer...

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