Brooklyn Summer Ale In A Can
This beer from Brooklyn Brewery was part of a sample package that arrived last week. Having already reviewed Summer Ale last year, I hadn’t planned on revisiting it this time around. But, with this particular sample arriving in a can, it only seemed right to compare the two delivery mechanisms to see how the canned version stood up against the bottled.
Aside from the packaging material and appropriate tweaks to the label artwork the only noticeable changes that I picked up were an increase in alcohol percentage and a slightly more assertive hop character. The beer I reviewed last April weighed in at 4.5% ABV. This particular can arrived at 5.0% — not a huge increase, but still something to note. And while, the hop bite is sharper, it doesn’t alter the beer’s character in any tremendous fashion.
Appearance
The canned variety of Summer Ale pours light amber with a quickly falling, white cap.
Aroma
According to my notes from last year, the aroma of this year’s version of the beer is right along the same lines. Toasted bread, grassy hops, lemon zest and a touch of grapefruit come together nicely. The small increase in alcohol has had no effect on the aroma.
Taste
Again, I don’t pick up much of a difference between the bottle and the canned versions of this beer. It’s still got that lemony citrus character with grassy hops that overlay a lightly toasted malt and caramel backbone. There’s a solid bit of hop bitterness and slightly tart astringency that lingers a good long while after each swallow. The carbonation is sharp, crisp and refreshing.
Overall
When comparing notes, the only thing that I would say has changed with this brew is the slightly more aggressive hop astringency that hangs around in the finish that I found in the 2012 can of Summer Ale. It’s not a grand departure from last year, but it’s noticeable. The alcohol content that’s been bumped up half a degree makes little to no impact on the beer. All in all, it was still a tasty brew.
Rating:3.75/5
This is a review of a promotional sample received from the brewery.