The Brewer’s Art Birdhouse
Ever since running across a scant few cans of The Brewer’s Art Resurrection Ale a while ago, I’ve started seeing more and more of their products appearing on shelves. Having thoroughly enjoyed that brew, it only made sense to pick up a sixer of their tribute to the Baltimore oriole — Birdhouse, and perhaps the hometown baseball team, as well.
This 5% ABV Belgian-style pale ale is right in line with the quality and craftsmanship of the Resurrection Ale I’d enjoyed prior. The beer is wonderfully balanced between the yeast, a malty backbone and herbal, hoppy bite that brings just the right amount of vigor to keep the tastebuds excited. The last Orioles’ game I went to was last Spring and I drank a few Flying Dog products then, but if this one had been present, it would have been a much harder decision to make.
Appearance
Birdhouse pours with a cap of frothy, white foam atop clear amber.
Aroma
The beer smells welcoming with grapefruit, pine, grass, light herbal notes, a touch of yeast and bready malts.
Taste
While the nose was mostly hops, the flavor brings the malt backbone more to the forefront. The beer is nicely balanced between citrus fruits, pine, bready notes and a touch of caramel. The hop bite isn’t overwhelming as it tingles the senses. A soft sweetness fades slowly in the lasting finish.
Overall
This a great little brew that is easy on the palate and presents an excellent, drinkable nature. Since this initial review (notes were taken in late March), it’s shown up a couple of times in the beer fridge. And I’m sure it will continue to do so throughout the Summer months.
Rating: 3.75/5
