Peak Organic Fall Summit Ale | Peak Organic Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Peak Organic Brewing Company
Maine, United States
peakbrewing.com
Style: American Amber / Red Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.70%
Availability: Fall
Notes / Commercial Description:
This autumn ale is a showcase of the mighty Summit hop. Our friend Jason grows amazing Summits that combine pine, spice and captivating citrus aromas. A good dose of toasted malts provides warm, rich flavors to contrast the hops on the front palate. Cold fermentation gives a surprisingly crisp finish. We hope you enjoy this unique fall brew.
64 IBU
Added by obireidkenobi on 09-10-2010
Reviews: 62 | Ratings: 154
Reviews by JmBrkr:
4.5/5 rDev +23%
JmBrkr, Jan 23, 2012
More User Reviews:
3.95/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured into a standard pint a clear rich amber with a 1/2 finger off white head atop.Sarp citric hops intertwined with sweet caramel/biscuit malt,the hops reaaly jump wich was a nice surprise.A little thin in the mouth with again the sharp citric hop flavors hitting at the onset,nutty lightly sweet malt holds up well to the hops.Surprised at the hop presence in a good way,I think a unique fall selection.
★ 407 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured into a standard pint a clear rich amber with a 1/2 finger off white head atop.Sarp citric hops intertwined with sweet caramel/biscuit malt,the hops reaaly jump wich was a nice surprise.A little thin in the mouth with again the sharp citric hop flavors hitting at the onset,nutty lightly sweet malt holds up well to the hops.Surprised at the hop presence in a good way,I think a unique fall selection.
★ 407 characters
3.53/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Enjoy before March,2011 on the label.
The beer was copper colored with a thick tan head. Good deal of lace.
Sweet caramel aroma, floral.
Caramel taste, a little bit of piney, grassy hops.
A bit on the dry side.
I enjoyed this beer. I had this not too long after drinking a few St Arnold Amber, and this one fared well.
★ 319 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Enjoy before March,2011 on the label.
The beer was copper colored with a thick tan head. Good deal of lace.
Sweet caramel aroma, floral.
Caramel taste, a little bit of piney, grassy hops.
A bit on the dry side.
I enjoyed this beer. I had this not too long after drinking a few St Arnold Amber, and this one fared well.
★ 319 characters
3.58/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
On-tap at the Porter in Atlanta.
Pours a slightly hazy copper color with a one-finger slightly off-white head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving solid lacing.
Smells of large amounts of buttery diacetyl backed by moderate amounts of citrus and floral hops and lighter amounts of pale malt aromas.
Tastes very similar to how it smells. Slightly dry pale malt flavors with small amounts of toastiness kick things off and are joined almost immediately by slick and buttery diacetyl. Midway through the sip the diacetyl fades just a bit to allow citrus and slightly earthy hop flavors to work their way into things. The hops carry through before fading out into a moderately bitter ending.
Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with smooth carbonation.
Drinkability is OK. I finished my glass without a problem however I'm not sure about another.
Overall I wasn't a huge fan of this beer, nor am I of any beers with large amounts of diacetyl (ESB's excepted). I've had a few Peak beers now and I'm realizing that the diacetyl is intentional and likely based on the type of yeast they're using. This beer isn't worth seeking out but if you're one of those diacetyl fans than you'll likely enjoy this one if you see it around.
★ 1,250 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
On-tap at the Porter in Atlanta.
Pours a slightly hazy copper color with a one-finger slightly off-white head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving solid lacing.
Smells of large amounts of buttery diacetyl backed by moderate amounts of citrus and floral hops and lighter amounts of pale malt aromas.
Tastes very similar to how it smells. Slightly dry pale malt flavors with small amounts of toastiness kick things off and are joined almost immediately by slick and buttery diacetyl. Midway through the sip the diacetyl fades just a bit to allow citrus and slightly earthy hop flavors to work their way into things. The hops carry through before fading out into a moderately bitter ending.
Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with smooth carbonation.
Drinkability is OK. I finished my glass without a problem however I'm not sure about another.
Overall I wasn't a huge fan of this beer, nor am I of any beers with large amounts of diacetyl (ESB's excepted). I've had a few Peak beers now and I'm realizing that the diacetyl is intentional and likely based on the type of yeast they're using. This beer isn't worth seeking out but if you're one of those diacetyl fans than you'll likely enjoy this one if you see it around.
★ 1,250 characters
3.54/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
4.32/5 rDev +18%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Seriously sparkling amber color with a very healthy clean-white head that is 2" high to start with slow dissipation, very healthy and clumpy with lots of sticky lace that looks like styrofoam!
This is one of the freshest hop aroma's i've had the honor of reviewing, Citrus hop cones, it smells as if the hops are floating in the beer!! citrusy and earthy fruity aroma, grapefruit and wild strawberries come to mind along with a rich and sweet malt balance and a nice tangy and hearty aroma that goes a long way!! rightous hoppiness!
The flavor is above all well-balanced with major crisp and hearty, earthy dry wheat, crispy malt that never becomes cloying of slick, it's all crispy and snappy taste and feel. The hops blend really well with this brew, The all Summit hops provide a complex and yummy dry-citrus flavor with heavy hearty and earthy notes and a gentle but zippy dry bitterness from the fresh hops.
I love the fact these hops are grown locally from one individual that obviously cares for his hops!! This brew aslo steps outside the norm as far as an "Autumn of fall" style brew which are usually on the malty side or pumpkin spice offerings, kudos to Peak for going in a different direction this fall! Keep this stuff coming y'all.
★ 1,253 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Seriously sparkling amber color with a very healthy clean-white head that is 2" high to start with slow dissipation, very healthy and clumpy with lots of sticky lace that looks like styrofoam!
This is one of the freshest hop aroma's i've had the honor of reviewing, Citrus hop cones, it smells as if the hops are floating in the beer!! citrusy and earthy fruity aroma, grapefruit and wild strawberries come to mind along with a rich and sweet malt balance and a nice tangy and hearty aroma that goes a long way!! rightous hoppiness!
The flavor is above all well-balanced with major crisp and hearty, earthy dry wheat, crispy malt that never becomes cloying of slick, it's all crispy and snappy taste and feel. The hops blend really well with this brew, The all Summit hops provide a complex and yummy dry-citrus flavor with heavy hearty and earthy notes and a gentle but zippy dry bitterness from the fresh hops.
I love the fact these hops are grown locally from one individual that obviously cares for his hops!! This brew aslo steps outside the norm as far as an "Autumn of fall" style brew which are usually on the malty side or pumpkin spice offerings, kudos to Peak for going in a different direction this fall! Keep this stuff coming y'all.
★ 1,253 characters
3.85/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle
A- Pours a dark copper color with an off-white head.
S- The aroma is malty with some caramel and some hops. The hops come across citrusy with a touch of mint.
T- The taste is taste like the aroma is sweet malt up front with a nice amount of bitterness in the finish from the hops. This beer is very well balanced.
M- The mouthfeel is light to medium bodied with a good amount of carbonation.
O- Overall, I enjoyed this beer. It is perfect for the fall season where the temperatures start to drop a little.
★ 522 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle
A- Pours a dark copper color with an off-white head.
S- The aroma is malty with some caramel and some hops. The hops come across citrusy with a touch of mint.
T- The taste is taste like the aroma is sweet malt up front with a nice amount of bitterness in the finish from the hops. This beer is very well balanced.
M- The mouthfeel is light to medium bodied with a good amount of carbonation.
O- Overall, I enjoyed this beer. It is perfect for the fall season where the temperatures start to drop a little.
★ 522 characters
4.05/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
The brew is a dark copper-brown. Silky lacing and a slim, but constant, head. Moderate carbonation level.
Smells of tropical jelly beans (hops). Very sweet and attractive. Butterscotch and faint maple in the tail end.
Tastes close to how it smells. Hop bitterness, hop flavor, and malt sweetness form an excellent balance. Warming. Finishes without a lingering aftertaste. Oriented toward the hops, but not overbearing. On the thinner side, but the hop content extends the body in a misleading, yet agreeable, way. Sort of stretches it like a silky syrup.
Very hoppy, but brown enough to balance out the overreaching nature of hop oriented brews. Notably drinkable, not to mention, organic!
★ 693 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
The brew is a dark copper-brown. Silky lacing and a slim, but constant, head. Moderate carbonation level.
Smells of tropical jelly beans (hops). Very sweet and attractive. Butterscotch and faint maple in the tail end.
Tastes close to how it smells. Hop bitterness, hop flavor, and malt sweetness form an excellent balance. Warming. Finishes without a lingering aftertaste. Oriented toward the hops, but not overbearing. On the thinner side, but the hop content extends the body in a misleading, yet agreeable, way. Sort of stretches it like a silky syrup.
Very hoppy, but brown enough to balance out the overreaching nature of hop oriented brews. Notably drinkable, not to mention, organic!
★ 693 characters
3.95/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Lightly hazed terra cotta amber with a light beige head and nice retention. Not a lot of lace but enough to look good. Smell is toasted grains and faint butterscotch. Some bread and a nice crisp citrusy hops. Taste is bready malt and toasted grains with a good caramel malt sweetness. Finish is dry and well hopped. Some grapefruit skin and a bit of hop oiliness leaves a longish touch with a bit of toasted while grain bread. Feel is lightly effervescent and delightful with a medium weight and thickness that gives it a hint more body than the usual amber. A very good beer overall that blossoms well in the glass as it warms and is highly drinkable.
★ 652 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Lightly hazed terra cotta amber with a light beige head and nice retention. Not a lot of lace but enough to look good. Smell is toasted grains and faint butterscotch. Some bread and a nice crisp citrusy hops. Taste is bready malt and toasted grains with a good caramel malt sweetness. Finish is dry and well hopped. Some grapefruit skin and a bit of hop oiliness leaves a longish touch with a bit of toasted while grain bread. Feel is lightly effervescent and delightful with a medium weight and thickness that gives it a hint more body than the usual amber. A very good beer overall that blossoms well in the glass as it warms and is highly drinkable.
★ 652 characters
3.48/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a twelve ounce bottle into a pint glass. Pours medium dark amber with fluffy persistent white foam. Firm malty hop nose. Notes of pine. Taste is an interesting hop/malt blend. Really laces. Bready and earthy - buttery at times. Feels a tad glommed together.
★ 269 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a twelve ounce bottle into a pint glass. Pours medium dark amber with fluffy persistent white foam. Firm malty hop nose. Notes of pine. Taste is an interesting hop/malt blend. Really laces. Bready and earthy - buttery at times. Feels a tad glommed together.
★ 269 characters
2.86/5 rDev -21.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
Pours a true amber color with a finger of white head that sees some nice retention. .Also some good sticky lace retention. Good carbonation too.
The smell is the best thing about this beer. It brings a good whiff of fresh hops and smells much hoppier than most fall harvest type beers.
Tastes mostly like tobacco and dead leaves. Seriously, the tobacco lingers and is kind of off-putting. Later, as the beer settles, there's a mildly sweet caramel malt presence, all veiled in very thin, herbal, fresh hop profile. Still hoppier than most fall beers, but not nearly as much as the nose would lead you to believe. The whole beer just seems watered down.
★ 654 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
Pours a true amber color with a finger of white head that sees some nice retention. .Also some good sticky lace retention. Good carbonation too.
The smell is the best thing about this beer. It brings a good whiff of fresh hops and smells much hoppier than most fall harvest type beers.
Tastes mostly like tobacco and dead leaves. Seriously, the tobacco lingers and is kind of off-putting. Later, as the beer settles, there's a mildly sweet caramel malt presence, all veiled in very thin, herbal, fresh hop profile. Still hoppier than most fall beers, but not nearly as much as the nose would lead you to believe. The whole beer just seems watered down.
★ 654 characters
3.48/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
From the 12 fl. oz. bottle with an expiration date of April 2012. Sampled on November 17, 2011. I like how it looks with its handsome medium amber color, thin head, and moderate carbonation. Aroma-wise it is abundant with floral hops. It is so flowery, it reminds me of a garden center. And because of its hop explosion it is difficult to find much else in the aroma. That's not to say it's a bad aroma but it does not seem to fit the style. The body falls into the light-medium range. Like the aroma the taste is extremely hopped up. Am I drinking liquified Chrysanthemum? Or liquified Marigold? That's how flowery it is. A bit too much for my tastes, especially if one wants to define this as an amber or red ale. Oh, it's good 'n hoppy but it doesn't live up to the style in my opinion. I prefer my autumns to be nutty and spicy.
★ 832 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
From the 12 fl. oz. bottle with an expiration date of April 2012. Sampled on November 17, 2011. I like how it looks with its handsome medium amber color, thin head, and moderate carbonation. Aroma-wise it is abundant with floral hops. It is so flowery, it reminds me of a garden center. And because of its hop explosion it is difficult to find much else in the aroma. That's not to say it's a bad aroma but it does not seem to fit the style. The body falls into the light-medium range. Like the aroma the taste is extremely hopped up. Am I drinking liquified Chrysanthemum? Or liquified Marigold? That's how flowery it is. A bit too much for my tastes, especially if one wants to define this as an amber or red ale. Oh, it's good 'n hoppy but it doesn't live up to the style in my opinion. I prefer my autumns to be nutty and spicy.
★ 832 characters
3.71/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
4.36/5 rDev +19.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.29/5 rDev +17.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
12oz longneck.
A) Pours with a big frothy head that sticks around for awhile. Clear body, amber in color. Active carbonation.
S) Caramel malt. Grapefruit. Absolutely euphoric aroma!
T) Grapefuit with sugar on top... that is the initial impression. That's a good thing - if you like grapefruit. A well balanced malt sweetness and hop bite. Toasty notes. Caramel.
M) The lighter side of a medium bodied brew. Crisp and clean up front, then smooth to the finish.
D) A delicious brew. Peak Organic brews another exceptional beer.
★ 527 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
12oz longneck.
A) Pours with a big frothy head that sticks around for awhile. Clear body, amber in color. Active carbonation.
S) Caramel malt. Grapefruit. Absolutely euphoric aroma!
T) Grapefuit with sugar on top... that is the initial impression. That's a good thing - if you like grapefruit. A well balanced malt sweetness and hop bite. Toasty notes. Caramel.
M) The lighter side of a medium bodied brew. Crisp and clean up front, then smooth to the finish.
D) A delicious brew. Peak Organic brews another exceptional beer.
★ 527 characters
3.06/5 rDev -16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Purchases 6-pack of bottles at local liquor store.
A: Nice amber tone with thick lacing
S: Distinctive grassiness, but not one that appealed to my taste
T: The taste definitely followed the smell; slightly tart, grassy/grapefruit.
A clean tasting beer, reminded me a little of drinking green tea, which I enjoy, but not something I would look for in a beer.
★ 359 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Purchases 6-pack of bottles at local liquor store.
A: Nice amber tone with thick lacing
S: Distinctive grassiness, but not one that appealed to my taste
T: The taste definitely followed the smell; slightly tart, grassy/grapefruit.
A clean tasting beer, reminded me a little of drinking green tea, which I enjoy, but not something I would look for in a beer.
★ 359 characters
Peak Organic Fall Summit Ale from Peak Organic Brewing Company
3.66
out of 5
based on 154 ratings.