New Albion Ale
BrewDog

Brewdog Brewing Co. "New Albion Ale"
12 fl. oz can "BORN: 09/02/21 2 10639 12:35"
$21.59/12-can mixed case @ Javies Beverage, Phila., PA

Notes via stream of consciousness: I'm not sure why Brewdog has taken up the New Albion flag but they have. I've had two other versions of this beer and it's decent enough but let's face it, it's outdated. It may have been great in 1976 when there was nothing else available but times have changed. Even Sierra Nevada, which followed directly in its footsteps, made it outdated with their even heavier hopped pale ale. ~ The recipe, BTW, is 100% pale ale and 100% Cascade hops ~ I appreciate Jack McAuliffe and his contribution to American brewing but it's a pretty basic beer. Anyway, it's poured a hazy golden body beneath a thumb's width of white foam that seems to be holding up well. The aroma is floral and grassy over a grainy/bready malt base. The flavor follows with a solid bitterness that leads it to a dry, bitter, and earthy finish with light suggestions of pine. It's medium bodied and crisp in the mouth with a standard level carbonation. With everything said it's a solid American pale ale at 5.5% ABV that's kind of hard to knock on its own. What Jack wanted back then was a beer that had maltiness, hoppiness, and bitterness and he achieved it.
Review #8,072

Can dated 9/2/21 8 mos. Old! CBF tulip.

A:pours a slightly chill hazed gold, with 1 finger bright white head. Surprisingly has a little lacing, given it’s age. A little visible small bubble lacing.

S: hint of that familiar floral, cascade smell. Maybe a touch of citrusy pine.

T: floral hops, bordering on soapy. Malt has definitely gone stale, with a papery, cardboard taste and a lingering floral/soapy finish.

M: lighter side of medium; quite drinkable.

O: I learned about the historical importance of this beer and Jack McAuliffe, and really wanted to try this recreation. However, I could never make it to the Brewdog taproom, and I wasn’t willing to buy a sixer, especially given the age of the cans I was able to find. My local shop finally offered it as a single, so the risk was low. I know Boston Beer and Platform also did re-creations, and both of those were criticized as not being hoppy enough; I thought Brewdog would be hoppier, and wasn’t disappointed. In context, I can understand how this beer was revelatory in 1976. It is light, crisp, and hoppy in a classic and not overpowering way. It actually reminds me of the Old Seattle lager I had when visiting Seattle, but with ale texture. Granted, there were some off flavors here because of the age, but this strikes me as a flavorful, easy drinking ale that I would love to have on hand if it were fresh and readily available (I think the soapiness is a by product of the age). Would love to revisit fresh.

 

12oz can. Poured out a clear, golden orange color with a small, off-white head of bubbly foam. It left sudsy trails of lace on the glass. It smelled of resinous pine, toasted caramel, toffee and floral notes. Sweet caramel taste with biscuity malt and a piney/citrusy bite.