Summer Ale
Court Avenue Brewing Company

Honey-soaked orange slices. Multiple streams of rapidly rising bubbles maintained the slim, off-white cap for nearly the life of the pint. An acceptable amount of delicate, feathery lace appeared as the beer fell with drinking.

The nose was primarily citrus fruity, on the order of lemons, oranges and white grapefruit. When I called earlier in the day to inquire about the current seasonal release, the bartender described this beer as a 'mild pale ale'. I had in mind something English, but the enticing nose was all-American. Simple and pure.

Summer Ale is a classic APA. Not a barnburner, but definitely not mild. In fact, the same two words came to mind when I drank as when I sniffed... simple and pure. Nothing but quality malt, quality hops and clean, neutral, ale yeast.

I'm guessing there was a hint of caramel malt to go along with a preponderance of pale. A mild (and delicious) butter cookie-like flavor was in the background, while bright citric hops occupied the foreground. In order of most to least: grapefruit, orange and lemon. Cascade probably. Maybe Columbus. Outside chance at Fuggles.

The beer was exceptionally well-balanced with a moderate amount of flavor and bitterness for the style. The mouthfeel was very close to being as good as the appearance, smell and taste. It was a fraction too light (not bad at all given the season) and a wee bit too carbonated.

Summer Ale was a pleasant surprise on a sweltering summer evening. It's a well-crafted, flavorful pale ale with no real weaknesses and plenty of strengths. If I count the best Court Avenue offerings of all-time on one hand, this one gets a finger for sure.