The Beer Critic

Brewery Website: http://www.shipyard.com/

Type of Beer: American Pale Ale

Alcohol Content: 5.10%

Beer Review -

Appearance: The color is crystal clear bright gold, looking only a slightly bit darker then an average macro beer. Head was an easy two fingers but dissipated quickly turning leaving only a thin film. Not much lacing to speak of.

Smell: Some nice smelling fruit and bready wheat in the nose but very soft. Definitely noticed a diacetyl buttery smell that overwhelmed the other scents that may have been there. The buttery smell isn’t offensive but certainly seems like an odd smell for a summer style ale.

Initial Taste: Flavor seems to start off pretty crisp and refreshing with hop-like cleanliness leading the palate followed by a sweet bready malt. This however become overshadowed by a tangy sourness that doesn’t really seem to go away. There are some light citrus flavors that try to make themselves apparent but overall seem to fall short. The finish is dull and somewhat dry.

Thoughts: For me summer ales should have a refreshing quality not found in your other seasonal offerings. They are meant to be enjoyed in the blistering heat of summer. Usually summer ales are either pilsners or some variation of a pale ale which both offer lots of hops and clean tasting flavors with and light and crisp mouthfeel. Sadly I feel this particular selection doesn’t deliver as well as the other summer ales you can find on the shelves. While this is not an entirely bad beer it just doesn’t stand up against the competition. The flavor is just a little to buttery and sour to be considered a “refreshing” beer. But as usual don’t just take my word for it, try this beer yourself and see what you think. Who knows, this may become one of your favorites. Cheers.

Type of Beer: Spiced Ale

Alcohol Content: 6.80%

Beer Review -

Appearance: Pours a deep red amber. Tight one finger off-white head that receeds quickly leaving very little lacing.

Smell: Mmm. Big scent of buttery sweet caramel, hazelnuts  and butterscotch. There is a little bit of hops on the back end but the main smells are sweet. Almost smells a bit like ice cream with nuts and caramel topping. Yes…that good.

Initial Taste: Not as sweet as the smell but just as enjoyable. Soft malt sweetness with a hoppy bite and a nice buttery mouthfeel that makes this a spicier beer than anticipated. The strong hop infusion gives this beer a bitter but clean aftertaste.

Thoughts: Another good Winter beer. This is by far my favorite beer season. The beers are spicy, warming and full bodied. Prelude by Shipyard delivers to us a perfect example of winter seasonal brews. This beer has an awesome smell and the taste is warming and spicy with a little sweetness and nice buttery mouthfeel. I like this beer but it’s not one of my go-to winter selections. There is just a little too much bite in the aftertaste for this to be on the top of my list. But overall it’s a great representation of the style.