This week's six pack was the Smuttynose Brewing Company's Star Island Single. It's a straw-colored abbey-style ale with a surprisingly refreshing flavor. I'm generally a dark beer kind of guy but this is one I would buy again.
There's not a strong aroma or a thick foamy head, but the faint aroma is tantalizing and promises the flavor not promised by the relatively pale color. The brewers describe it as a session ale brewed with spice, and although I didn't detect much spice flavor, there was a refreshing mix of fruity flavors and pale malts. Hop character was barely present, but was also not called for in this style of ale.
The brewers advertise the ale as "eminently sessionable" and although at 5.3% ABV it's a bit on the high side for sessioning, it doesn't feel that strong when you drink it, and I could readily see going through a six-pack over the course of a football game. It does have the requisite light mouthfeel and clean finish that to me define a session beer, and it doesn't sit heavily in the stomach like some darker ales. It went well with everything I ate with it over the course of the week, from pizza to leftover chili. I didn't pair it with a pasta and wouldn't imagine it being the ideal partner for one. I think its ideal dance partner is probably pizza or nachos, or some other type of salty snack food.
I'm going to give it a B+, and reiterate that it's one I would buy again. My name is Joe.
Next up: Well I'll edit when I decide.
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