Dog Daze Summer Ale
Ham's Restaurant & Brewhouse

I'm guessing as to the actual name and intended style of this beer (again), as no one on duty at Ham's could tell me more than this beer is "ale". Nothing further. No shit. It's a damned shame that their brewmaster, who makes nice beer and was gone for the evening, has virtually no support from his untrained-twinkie college-age staff.

To the matter at hand. Poured from a growler into a tulip, whatever kind of "ale" this is sports a clear coppery-gold body capped by a half-finger of stiff white foam that reduces to thin patchwork and leaves a little lacing.

Smell is tangy and earthy, malty with pancakes, biscuits, Frosted Flakes, and a sweet floral note.

Tastes great. Rich, semi-dry malty backbone is complemented nicely by a long, dry, hop-bitter finish. Smooth, medium bodied, and clean.

Really good. Now, if I just knew anything else about it!?!?

Update: I found someone with a clue at Ham's who knew the beer's actual name and designation to be "Dog Daze Summer Ale", a "pale ale". "American Pale Ale?" I ask. Blank stare, and the answer I knew was coming... "Pale Ale." Sigh.

Whatever it is, whatever its ingredients, whatever the brewer's motivation, idea, and intent was remains something of a mystery, but I guess it's a moot point, as the beer is still very good.