Big Mamie Indestructible Pale Ale
Narragansett Brewing Co.
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Pale Ale - American
Ranked #2,604 - ABV:
- 4.5%
- Score:
- 82
Ranked #43,718 - Avg:
- 3.55 | pDev: 10.7%
- Reviews:
- 26
- Ratings:
- From:
- Narragansett Brewing Co.
- Rhode Island, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 2
- Gots
- 20
SCORE
82
Good
82
Good
Notes:
Roll out the Barrel: At 4.5% and 30 IBU’s, Big Mamie Indestructible American Pale Ale is the 3rd installment in our new sessionable lineup. This easy-drinking APA is brewed just for the winter months. It pairs great with all of your favorite holiday foods, and because it’s not too heavy you won’t have to pass on a third helping of mom’s mashed potatoes. Big Mamie is available on draft and in 16oz tall boy cans through late fall and early winter.
Quality Supreme: Big Mamie is brewed with U.S. Pale, Cara Belge, Vienna and Special B malts, and is carefully balanced with U.S. Chinook hops. To achieve an indestructible American finish, the beer is then dry hopped with U.S. Liberty for a crisp and bright taste.
Taste & Enjoy: Copper in color with a sweet, floral hop aroma, the Big Mamie Indestructible American Pale Ale is an easy-drinking APA brewed specifically for the winter months.
The History: Recognized in American history for firing both the first and last U.S. Navy sixteen inch shells during World War II, the USS Massachusetts, otherwise known as “Big Mamie,” served her country proudly for many years. However, despite her storied history, Big Mamie was on her way to the scrap yard to be stripped of her parts by 1964. With her heroic past and New England pride in mind, Narragansett Beer spearheaded a fundraising movement with the local Massachusetts community to save the beloved ship from destruction. Thanks in part to ‘Gansett’s charitable efforts, in 1965 Big Mamie made a victorious return through Narragansett Bay to the Fall River, Massachusetts waterfront where a half million adoring fans lined the shores to welcome her home. The vessel is still docked there today as the crown jewel of America’s Fleet Museum at Battleship Cove.
Quality Supreme: Big Mamie is brewed with U.S. Pale, Cara Belge, Vienna and Special B malts, and is carefully balanced with U.S. Chinook hops. To achieve an indestructible American finish, the beer is then dry hopped with U.S. Liberty for a crisp and bright taste.
Taste & Enjoy: Copper in color with a sweet, floral hop aroma, the Big Mamie Indestructible American Pale Ale is an easy-drinking APA brewed specifically for the winter months.
The History: Recognized in American history for firing both the first and last U.S. Navy sixteen inch shells during World War II, the USS Massachusetts, otherwise known as “Big Mamie,” served her country proudly for many years. However, despite her storied history, Big Mamie was on her way to the scrap yard to be stripped of her parts by 1964. With her heroic past and New England pride in mind, Narragansett Beer spearheaded a fundraising movement with the local Massachusetts community to save the beloved ship from destruction. Thanks in part to ‘Gansett’s charitable efforts, in 1965 Big Mamie made a victorious return through Narragansett Bay to the Fall River, Massachusetts waterfront where a half million adoring fans lined the shores to welcome her home. The vessel is still docked there today as the crown jewel of America’s Fleet Museum at Battleship Cove.
Reviews: 26
| Ratings: 65
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NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania
3.75/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Narragansett Brewing Co. "Big Mamie Indestructible Ale"
16 fl. oz. can, production coded but not freshness dated.
$1.42 @ Trader Joe's, South Burlington, VT
Appearance: Very hazy deep amber body beneath a creamy head of white. The head retention is better than average and it leaves some very nice wide rings of thin lace about the glass.
Aroma: Caramel malt with leafy/grassy and floral hops.
Flavor: As the aroma suggests, malty with a distinct caramel component laced through with grassy, leafy, floral, and mildly spicy hops. A stiff bitterness centers it, and it finishes dry with residual grassy and leafy/earthy hops lingering.
Mouthfeel: Medium to medium-light in body, and crisp with a standard level carbonation.
Overall: A slightly hoppier and more bitter caramelish pale ale. The malt and hops follow the English style, but it lacks yeasty fruitiness. Nothing new, nothing exciting, and not particularly well rounded.
Jun 08, 2016
3.75/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Narragansett Brewing Co. "Big Mamie Indestructible Ale"
16 fl. oz. can, production coded but not freshness dated.
$1.42 @ Trader Joe's, South Burlington, VT
Appearance: Very hazy deep amber body beneath a creamy head of white. The head retention is better than average and it leaves some very nice wide rings of thin lace about the glass.
Aroma: Caramel malt with leafy/grassy and floral hops.
Flavor: As the aroma suggests, malty with a distinct caramel component laced through with grassy, leafy, floral, and mildly spicy hops. A stiff bitterness centers it, and it finishes dry with residual grassy and leafy/earthy hops lingering.
Mouthfeel: Medium to medium-light in body, and crisp with a standard level carbonation.
Overall: A slightly hoppier and more bitter caramelish pale ale. The malt and hops follow the English style, but it lacks yeasty fruitiness. Nothing new, nothing exciting, and not particularly well rounded.
Jun 08, 2016
dbrauneis from North Carolina
3.52/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a deep golden honey in color with a moderate amount of active visible carbonation and some moderate orange, brown, and reddish gold highlights. The beer has a two finger tall sudsy foamy light tan head that slowly reduces to a medium sized patch of medium thick film surrounded by a large patch of thin film covering the entire remainder of the surface of the beer and a medium thick ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of caramel malts with a hint of sweetness and slightly stronger than moderate aromas of earthy, herbal, and citrus/grapefruit pith hops.
T: Upfront there is a moderate flavor of caramel malts with a light amount of caramel sweetness. That is followed by moderate flavors of earthy, herbal, and citrus/grapefruit pith hops which imparts a moderate amount of bitterness which slowly fades away.
M: Just shy of medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly creamy with a hint of dryness in the finish.
O: I felt obligated to purchase this one after growing up in Southeastern Massachusetts and taking numerous school field trips to Battleship Cove when I was in school. Nothing special as a beer but it did remind me of some good times from my childhood. Easy to drink and sessionable but I would not go out of my way to find it.
May 13, 2016
3.52/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a deep golden honey in color with a moderate amount of active visible carbonation and some moderate orange, brown, and reddish gold highlights. The beer has a two finger tall sudsy foamy light tan head that slowly reduces to a medium sized patch of medium thick film surrounded by a large patch of thin film covering the entire remainder of the surface of the beer and a medium thick ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of caramel malts with a hint of sweetness and slightly stronger than moderate aromas of earthy, herbal, and citrus/grapefruit pith hops.
T: Upfront there is a moderate flavor of caramel malts with a light amount of caramel sweetness. That is followed by moderate flavors of earthy, herbal, and citrus/grapefruit pith hops which imparts a moderate amount of bitterness which slowly fades away.
M: Just shy of medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly creamy with a hint of dryness in the finish.
O: I felt obligated to purchase this one after growing up in Southeastern Massachusetts and taking numerous school field trips to Battleship Cove when I was in school. Nothing special as a beer but it did remind me of some good times from my childhood. Easy to drink and sessionable but I would not go out of my way to find it.
May 13, 2016
tone77 from Pennsylvania
3.38/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
A thanks to the founding father of the canquest, woodychandler, for this beer. Poured from a 16 oz. can. Has a tan color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of grapefruit, malts. Taste is very mild. Some malts and citrus, hardly any bitterness. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a refreshing beer, but lacking any punch.
Apr 27, 2016
3.38/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
A thanks to the founding father of the canquest, woodychandler, for this beer. Poured from a 16 oz. can. Has a tan color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of grapefruit, malts. Taste is very mild. Some malts and citrus, hardly any bitterness. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a refreshing beer, but lacking any punch.
Apr 27, 2016
DrMullet from Florida
3.71/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Lots of head. Pours a golden/burnt orange.
Smell is balanced with an earthy citrus.
Taste follows the smell, citrus/earthy malt. A hint of hops.
Mildly bitter finish
Apr 09, 2016
3.71/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Lots of head. Pours a golden/burnt orange.
Smell is balanced with an earthy citrus.
Taste follows the smell, citrus/earthy malt. A hint of hops.
Mildly bitter finish
Apr 09, 2016
Cavanaghty from Maine
3/5 rDev -15.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Poured from a can into a pint glass.
Appearance: Amber color with a thin beige head.
Smell: Pine notes, with a hint of malt and citrus.
Mouthfeel/ Taste: Smooth medium bodied. Taste of bitter hops and pine notes.
Overall: Good beer, I would have this one again. I also like that it was made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the USS Massachusetts' retirement to a museum.
Apr 06, 2016
3/5 rDev -15.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Poured from a can into a pint glass.
Appearance: Amber color with a thin beige head.
Smell: Pine notes, with a hint of malt and citrus.
Mouthfeel/ Taste: Smooth medium bodied. Taste of bitter hops and pine notes.
Overall: Good beer, I would have this one again. I also like that it was made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the USS Massachusetts' retirement to a museum.
Apr 06, 2016
WoodBrew from Ohio
3.78/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bought a can of Big Mamie whilst in Ft. Lauderdale to take on a cruise. The beer poured a orangish copper with white head that left a nice lace. The scent and taste carried hints of grapefruit. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall its was pretty good and I'd have it again.
Apr 01, 2016
3.78/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bought a can of Big Mamie whilst in Ft. Lauderdale to take on a cruise. The beer poured a orangish copper with white head that left a nice lace. The scent and taste carried hints of grapefruit. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall its was pretty good and I'd have it again.
Apr 01, 2016
woodychandler from Pennsylvania
3.81/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I saw this battlewagon a few weeks ago at Wheatland Distributors, but a) I had a bad feeling that it was not going to be sold as a 12-pack and b) I had a load as it was and I did not feel like asking for a favor upon which I was physically incapable of following through. When I returned, I felt empowered to ask, but sure enough, it was only available as a case. Grr! I then solicited for assistance and it came through in the form of a local entrepreneur, Jeff Anderson of Angry, Young & Poor, who routinely shops at that distributor. Not only did he buy the whole case up front, but he transported half of it to a CANvenient location where I could pick it up & repay him. Bravo! The CANquest (tm) triumphs.
From the CAN:"Hi-Neighbor!"; "Made on Honor[,] Sold On Merit"; "The USS Massachusetts (aka 'Big Mamie') has the distinction of firing both the first and last US Navy shells in World War II. With this proud history in mind, the citizens of Massachusetts banded together in 1964 to save the battleship from being scrapped by raising thousands of dollars in her name. Narragansett Beer helped lead the charge for those fundraising efforts. On June 12, 1965, Big Mamie made a final triumphant return to the Fall River waterfront where she would become a public museum. More than 500,000 people, swelling with honor and pride, lined the shores of Narragansett Bay and the Taunton River that day to welcome their ship home in a roar of jubilation. Over the past half century, she has been joined by several other vessels to form the largest collection of historic naval ships in the world, America's Fleet Museum at Battleship Cove. In celebration of this accomplishment, over 50 years in the making, we offer you Big Mamie Indestructible American Pale Ale. It's a flavorful and easy-drinking pale ale, as solid and reliable as its namesake. Just make sure not to tell everyone else about it. Loose lips sink ships."
There I was, in Battleship Cove as the Cyberleader, between Cthulhu & the USS Massachusetts (BB-59) when suddenly, a deafening Crack! was heard by all. "Bong, bong, bong! All hands, man your battle stations! Down & aft port side, up & forward starboard! Make all readiness reports to the bridge! Unidentified enemy CANbatants detected!" It saddened me, in my former life as a retired U.S. Navy Storekeeper, to hear this, as I was clearly one of the enemies, but I CANmenced a solid Glug to keep things off-balance & moving. A finger of foamy, tawny head soon appeared on the surface of the water, but it was quickly fading into wisps. In the meantime, Cthulhu had swung a couple of its tentacles around my neck just as the first wave of Cyberpeople began to board the Big Mamie. I took a deep breath and smelled very earthy, slightly minty hops. My sensors defaulted to an EIPA, despite what was emblazoned upon the side of the CAN. I finally achieved purchase on one of Cthulhu's tentacles and prised it free while I took note of color. I noted same as Deep Amber/Light Copper to Copper (SRM = > 13, < 17) and stored this knowledge for future use. As I prised the second of Cthulhu's two tentacles off of my neck, I suddenly felt my human tongue restored! I took a massive draught into my mouth hole in order to experience this beer while I still had a human tongue & gullet. Mouthfeel was medium. The taste was right on the border between an EIPA & an AIPA. It had an earthiness (English) initially, followed by a peppery mintiness (AmeriCAN) on the tongue. I was just turning to take a swing at Cthulhu, when my legions, having overtaken the crew of Big Mamie, swung her guns broadside & let fly, blasting Cthulhu into sushi! Since it was finished, I likewise finished, relishing the earthy, minty dryness in my throat as I led my legions off the ship and back into hiding. We must not be found until we are ready! In the interim, I urge you to give this a ChANce.
Mar 20, 2016
3.81/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I saw this battlewagon a few weeks ago at Wheatland Distributors, but a) I had a bad feeling that it was not going to be sold as a 12-pack and b) I had a load as it was and I did not feel like asking for a favor upon which I was physically incapable of following through. When I returned, I felt empowered to ask, but sure enough, it was only available as a case. Grr! I then solicited for assistance and it came through in the form of a local entrepreneur, Jeff Anderson of Angry, Young & Poor, who routinely shops at that distributor. Not only did he buy the whole case up front, but he transported half of it to a CANvenient location where I could pick it up & repay him. Bravo! The CANquest (tm) triumphs.
From the CAN:"Hi-Neighbor!"; "Made on Honor[,] Sold On Merit"; "The USS Massachusetts (aka 'Big Mamie') has the distinction of firing both the first and last US Navy shells in World War II. With this proud history in mind, the citizens of Massachusetts banded together in 1964 to save the battleship from being scrapped by raising thousands of dollars in her name. Narragansett Beer helped lead the charge for those fundraising efforts. On June 12, 1965, Big Mamie made a final triumphant return to the Fall River waterfront where she would become a public museum. More than 500,000 people, swelling with honor and pride, lined the shores of Narragansett Bay and the Taunton River that day to welcome their ship home in a roar of jubilation. Over the past half century, she has been joined by several other vessels to form the largest collection of historic naval ships in the world, America's Fleet Museum at Battleship Cove. In celebration of this accomplishment, over 50 years in the making, we offer you Big Mamie Indestructible American Pale Ale. It's a flavorful and easy-drinking pale ale, as solid and reliable as its namesake. Just make sure not to tell everyone else about it. Loose lips sink ships."
There I was, in Battleship Cove as the Cyberleader, between Cthulhu & the USS Massachusetts (BB-59) when suddenly, a deafening Crack! was heard by all. "Bong, bong, bong! All hands, man your battle stations! Down & aft port side, up & forward starboard! Make all readiness reports to the bridge! Unidentified enemy CANbatants detected!" It saddened me, in my former life as a retired U.S. Navy Storekeeper, to hear this, as I was clearly one of the enemies, but I CANmenced a solid Glug to keep things off-balance & moving. A finger of foamy, tawny head soon appeared on the surface of the water, but it was quickly fading into wisps. In the meantime, Cthulhu had swung a couple of its tentacles around my neck just as the first wave of Cyberpeople began to board the Big Mamie. I took a deep breath and smelled very earthy, slightly minty hops. My sensors defaulted to an EIPA, despite what was emblazoned upon the side of the CAN. I finally achieved purchase on one of Cthulhu's tentacles and prised it free while I took note of color. I noted same as Deep Amber/Light Copper to Copper (SRM = > 13, < 17) and stored this knowledge for future use. As I prised the second of Cthulhu's two tentacles off of my neck, I suddenly felt my human tongue restored! I took a massive draught into my mouth hole in order to experience this beer while I still had a human tongue & gullet. Mouthfeel was medium. The taste was right on the border between an EIPA & an AIPA. It had an earthiness (English) initially, followed by a peppery mintiness (AmeriCAN) on the tongue. I was just turning to take a swing at Cthulhu, when my legions, having overtaken the crew of Big Mamie, swung her guns broadside & let fly, blasting Cthulhu into sushi! Since it was finished, I likewise finished, relishing the earthy, minty dryness in my throat as I led my legions off the ship and back into hiding. We must not be found until we are ready! In the interim, I urge you to give this a ChANce.
Mar 20, 2016
VelvetExtract from Massachusetts
2.87/5 rDev -19.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Can. Poured a dark orange color. Wasn't expecting it to be that caramel colored. Aroma was pretty much all malt. A little metallic. Some earthy hops. Flavor was heavy on sweetness and caramel maltiness. Bready. Little to speak of in terms of hops. Has some fullness in the body especially at 4.5% ABV. Not what I was looking for.
Feb 20, 2016
2.87/5 rDev -19.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Can. Poured a dark orange color. Wasn't expecting it to be that caramel colored. Aroma was pretty much all malt. A little metallic. Some earthy hops. Flavor was heavy on sweetness and caramel maltiness. Bready. Little to speak of in terms of hops. Has some fullness in the body especially at 4.5% ABV. Not what I was looking for.
Feb 20, 2016
angrybabboon from Massachusetts
3.47/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Consumed 2/11/16
A: Burnt orange to medium amber, some orange around the edges - some chill haze - pours with a medium, off-white head, fades to wisps, small collar, leaves some wisps of lacing
S: Caramel malts and mild hops - mild aroma overall - pale and caramel malts - some cooked grains - the usual Narragansett yeast aroma - earthy - some light, herbal, earthy hops, just a hint of citrus
T: At the very least, this is exceptionally clean for an ale brewed by Narragansett - touch of citrus, with some orange - earthy, herbal, grassy hops - low to medium level of bitterness - pale, caramel, and some slight amber malts - earthy - grainy, with bread and some biscuit - slight minerality - simple, clean
M: On the light side of medium, smooth, medium carbonation, a touch watery - mostly dry finish
O: I love it when you call me Big Mamie?
Simply put, this is an old-school, no frills, very simple American Pale Ale. It's not really hoppy, and it's not really malty. It's low ABV and easy to drink. This is not exciting in any way, but it's still worth a try.
Feb 12, 2016
3.47/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Consumed 2/11/16
A: Burnt orange to medium amber, some orange around the edges - some chill haze - pours with a medium, off-white head, fades to wisps, small collar, leaves some wisps of lacing
S: Caramel malts and mild hops - mild aroma overall - pale and caramel malts - some cooked grains - the usual Narragansett yeast aroma - earthy - some light, herbal, earthy hops, just a hint of citrus
T: At the very least, this is exceptionally clean for an ale brewed by Narragansett - touch of citrus, with some orange - earthy, herbal, grassy hops - low to medium level of bitterness - pale, caramel, and some slight amber malts - earthy - grainy, with bread and some biscuit - slight minerality - simple, clean
M: On the light side of medium, smooth, medium carbonation, a touch watery - mostly dry finish
O: I love it when you call me Big Mamie?
Simply put, this is an old-school, no frills, very simple American Pale Ale. It's not really hoppy, and it's not really malty. It's low ABV and easy to drink. This is not exciting in any way, but it's still worth a try.
Feb 12, 2016
BEERMILER12 from Maine
3.53/5 rDev -0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a dark amber color with 2+ fingers of head that fades down to a decent cap that leaves some sticky lacing
S: Very balanced with notes of earthy and fruity hops to go along with a solid caramel malt backbone. A bit herbal in there as well
T: Follows the nose. Starts off with a good mix of earthy, herbal, and caramel notes. Lightly fruity. Finishes with a bit of a watered down sweetness
M: Light-medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Surprisingly light for such a dark brew
O: A nice easy drinker for a casual session. Nothing more, nothing less
Jan 29, 2016
3.53/5 rDev -0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a dark amber color with 2+ fingers of head that fades down to a decent cap that leaves some sticky lacing
S: Very balanced with notes of earthy and fruity hops to go along with a solid caramel malt backbone. A bit herbal in there as well
T: Follows the nose. Starts off with a good mix of earthy, herbal, and caramel notes. Lightly fruity. Finishes with a bit of a watered down sweetness
M: Light-medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Surprisingly light for such a dark brew
O: A nice easy drinker for a casual session. Nothing more, nothing less
Jan 29, 2016
Beric from Massachusetts
3.61/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Serving: 16oz can into shaker pint
Served: 20 January 2016
Appearance: Pours much darker than many of 'Gansett's usual offerings. A solid amber color with a pearl/cream colored head- not quite pure white but not anything darker than cream either. Leaves little to no lacing. Lots of carbonation visible.
Smell: A solid amount of hops in the nose with notes of citrus and pine and a hint of musk. A soft earthy maltiness comes through too.
Taste: While the nose was certainly promising, the flavor here is a bit lacking. On the first sip, I was relatively impressed, but as I drank more, the earthy maltiness became a bit more pronounced. The beer had a good front- nice hop flavor, a slightly sweet maltiness, prickly carbonation, but the back end was dominated by this strange earthy astringency.
Mouthfeel: Medium to medium-light body, high carbonation. Quaffable.
Overall: I thought this was one of Gansett's better attempts at a hoppy style if it wasn't for the earthiness on the bank end. Nonetheless, at $8.99/sixer of pounders and a 4.5% ABV, I could gladly pound this at a football game or something.
Jan 21, 2016
3.61/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Serving: 16oz can into shaker pint
Served: 20 January 2016
Appearance: Pours much darker than many of 'Gansett's usual offerings. A solid amber color with a pearl/cream colored head- not quite pure white but not anything darker than cream either. Leaves little to no lacing. Lots of carbonation visible.
Smell: A solid amount of hops in the nose with notes of citrus and pine and a hint of musk. A soft earthy maltiness comes through too.
Taste: While the nose was certainly promising, the flavor here is a bit lacking. On the first sip, I was relatively impressed, but as I drank more, the earthy maltiness became a bit more pronounced. The beer had a good front- nice hop flavor, a slightly sweet maltiness, prickly carbonation, but the back end was dominated by this strange earthy astringency.
Mouthfeel: Medium to medium-light body, high carbonation. Quaffable.
Overall: I thought this was one of Gansett's better attempts at a hoppy style if it wasn't for the earthiness on the bank end. Nonetheless, at $8.99/sixer of pounders and a 4.5% ABV, I could gladly pound this at a football game or something.
Jan 21, 2016
cbutova from Massachusetts
3.16/5 rDev -11%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A- 16oz tall can into a glass with a dark, not-so-pale, amber body that is mostly clear. Starts to foam out of the can upon opening and pouring promotes a multi-finger cap with a thick creamy texture. Thick sheets of lacing land plentifully on the glass.
S- Each sniff seems to be maltier than hoppy but then some sniffs seem hoppier; they seem rather balanced overall. Deeply caramelized malts, toasted bread and even a touch of roast play off of pine and citrus hops. With time it drifts a bit and some funky yeast tones and esters arrive.
T- Hops and grains equally proportioned reminding me more of a hoppy amber ale than anything Pale. Toastiness and caramel malts are strong along with bitter orange citrus, pine and earthy hops. Moderately sweet.
MF- Carbonation level is just a touch below a medium level with a silky, foamy texture born out of it. Moderately thick body and a clean herbal bitter finish. Feels a touch watery.
A dark pale ale with a flavor profile like a hoppy amber balancing caramel malts and zesty piney citrusy hops. Solid but not exemplary or anything to seek out. Weakens with time and warming as some yeast fruit pokes through upsetting the balance of flavor.
Jan 09, 2016
3.16/5 rDev -11%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A- 16oz tall can into a glass with a dark, not-so-pale, amber body that is mostly clear. Starts to foam out of the can upon opening and pouring promotes a multi-finger cap with a thick creamy texture. Thick sheets of lacing land plentifully on the glass.
S- Each sniff seems to be maltier than hoppy but then some sniffs seem hoppier; they seem rather balanced overall. Deeply caramelized malts, toasted bread and even a touch of roast play off of pine and citrus hops. With time it drifts a bit and some funky yeast tones and esters arrive.
T- Hops and grains equally proportioned reminding me more of a hoppy amber ale than anything Pale. Toastiness and caramel malts are strong along with bitter orange citrus, pine and earthy hops. Moderately sweet.
MF- Carbonation level is just a touch below a medium level with a silky, foamy texture born out of it. Moderately thick body and a clean herbal bitter finish. Feels a touch watery.
A dark pale ale with a flavor profile like a hoppy amber balancing caramel malts and zesty piney citrusy hops. Solid but not exemplary or anything to seek out. Weakens with time and warming as some yeast fruit pokes through upsetting the balance of flavor.
Jan 09, 2016
puboflyons from New Hampshire
3.52/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
From the can. Sampled on December 27, 2015.
It looks like a pale ale should with its caramel-brown color and lingering off-white head. Good clarity.
The aroma emits caramel malts, roasted malts, and grassy hops.
Thew body is medium.
The taste brings out the same sweet malt character and a balanced bitter finish. Everything about this is textbook. Nothing out of the ordinary but right on the mark as far as the style goes.
Dec 27, 2015
3.52/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
From the can. Sampled on December 27, 2015.
It looks like a pale ale should with its caramel-brown color and lingering off-white head. Good clarity.
The aroma emits caramel malts, roasted malts, and grassy hops.
Thew body is medium.
The taste brings out the same sweet malt character and a balanced bitter finish. Everything about this is textbook. Nothing out of the ordinary but right on the mark as far as the style goes.
Dec 27, 2015
CTHomer from Connecticut
3.6/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A: slight haze; amber in color; 1+ finger off white head that receded slowly to a thin cap; nice lacing;
S: pine, with tropical fruit, leather, and earthy notes behind it;
T: earthy and piney for a moment, then floral with tropical fruit in the background; mild bitterness on the finish;
M: medium bodied; moderate carbonation; dry finish;
O: color is quite dark for an APA; complex flavors, but nothing really fits together;
Dec 27, 2015
3.6/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A: slight haze; amber in color; 1+ finger off white head that receded slowly to a thin cap; nice lacing;
S: pine, with tropical fruit, leather, and earthy notes behind it;
T: earthy and piney for a moment, then floral with tropical fruit in the background; mild bitterness on the finish;
M: medium bodied; moderate carbonation; dry finish;
O: color is quite dark for an APA; complex flavors, but nothing really fits together;
Dec 27, 2015
fx20736 from New York
3.63/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bought a 6 pack of 24 oz cans from Hart's Grocer, Rochester NY, Nov. 2015. Served at fridge temp in a Duvel tulip.
Look Hazy copper, offwhite head, decent lacing
Smell mild tropical fruit, maybe a hint of pine
Taste bready malt with a subtle tea-like bitterness
Feel medium carbonation
Overall: not a WOW beer but a gentle, low ABV sipper
Dec 27, 2015
3.63/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bought a 6 pack of 24 oz cans from Hart's Grocer, Rochester NY, Nov. 2015. Served at fridge temp in a Duvel tulip.
Look Hazy copper, offwhite head, decent lacing
Smell mild tropical fruit, maybe a hint of pine
Taste bready malt with a subtle tea-like bitterness
Feel medium carbonation
Overall: not a WOW beer but a gentle, low ABV sipper
Dec 27, 2015
Smakawhat from Maryland
3.64/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Poured from the can into a nonic pint glass.
Deep and big retention off white vanilla yellow head. Easily cascading up to three fingers. Big laced top and cake and swiss cheese like retention and bubbles, real good staying power. Body color is amber, lights amount of carbonation. A pretty good looking aggressive pale ale but not crazy. Very nice.
Biscuit and caramel malts hit on the aroma first with a good sweetness that isn't overly sugary or syrupy. Muted but noticeable hop aroma balancing nicely with soft pine and earth. Simple and solid.
Palate takes a bit of a wash. Very watery palate that comes off a bit watery. Mid palate fills with tea like hops and an almost English Pale Ale sensing flavors. Light caramel but also a bit tin like aftertaste slightly in the finish. Washes away just a little too fast on the palate, malts don't really coat that much and give depth. Good solid balance of flavors that the nose hints at between hop and malt.
It's a decent beer, but there's a bit of metallic twinge to it that's slightly jarring. Things could be worse though.
Dec 19, 2015
3.64/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Poured from the can into a nonic pint glass.
Deep and big retention off white vanilla yellow head. Easily cascading up to three fingers. Big laced top and cake and swiss cheese like retention and bubbles, real good staying power. Body color is amber, lights amount of carbonation. A pretty good looking aggressive pale ale but not crazy. Very nice.
Biscuit and caramel malts hit on the aroma first with a good sweetness that isn't overly sugary or syrupy. Muted but noticeable hop aroma balancing nicely with soft pine and earth. Simple and solid.
Palate takes a bit of a wash. Very watery palate that comes off a bit watery. Mid palate fills with tea like hops and an almost English Pale Ale sensing flavors. Light caramel but also a bit tin like aftertaste slightly in the finish. Washes away just a little too fast on the palate, malts don't really coat that much and give depth. Good solid balance of flavors that the nose hints at between hop and malt.
It's a decent beer, but there's a bit of metallic twinge to it that's slightly jarring. Things could be worse though.
Dec 19, 2015
ANIMOUL from Vermont
4.75/5 rDev +33.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Caveat Emptor: I'm biased towards APAs and the Narragansett brand
Solid, everyman / everywoman beer for everyday. Something to keep in the icebox and savor after a long day, night, or marriage.
I can't specifically describe the individual notes that make up this beer... but buy in bulk and keep readily available.
Dec 19, 2015
4.75/5 rDev +33.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Caveat Emptor: I'm biased towards APAs and the Narragansett brand
Solid, everyman / everywoman beer for everyday. Something to keep in the icebox and savor after a long day, night, or marriage.
I can't specifically describe the individual notes that make up this beer... but buy in bulk and keep readily available.
Dec 19, 2015
lackenhauser from Maryland
3.11/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Copper sort of color with a very nice foamy off white head atop. Very low aroma-I really had to snort to get anything out of it. A trace better as it warms some. Moderate hop bitterness. Definite malty presence. A trace of sweetness as it fades. Nicely balanced though. A lot of flavor for the lower abv-much better balance than some of the "session IPAs" I have had for sure. Decent enough mouthfeel. Creamy and quite smooth. A nice US pale for sure. Not overwhelming, almost a UK version. Again it seems a vast improvement on some of the session IPAs I have had. Id like to explore again. A bit pricey for a 6 pack. Draft would be nice too.
Dec 19, 2015
3.11/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Copper sort of color with a very nice foamy off white head atop. Very low aroma-I really had to snort to get anything out of it. A trace better as it warms some. Moderate hop bitterness. Definite malty presence. A trace of sweetness as it fades. Nicely balanced though. A lot of flavor for the lower abv-much better balance than some of the "session IPAs" I have had for sure. Decent enough mouthfeel. Creamy and quite smooth. A nice US pale for sure. Not overwhelming, almost a UK version. Again it seems a vast improvement on some of the session IPAs I have had. Id like to explore again. A bit pricey for a 6 pack. Draft would be nice too.
Dec 19, 2015
TheElectricOne from Rhode Island
2.8/5 rDev -21.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
Poured from a pounder can into a can glass:
Appearance: copper, amber color, with a fluffy off-white head that quickly dissipates. Light on the lacing.
Aroma: all caramel and toffee malt, with no discernible hops. Didn't get really any bitterness or dankness....it's all malt here, with a sweet undertone.
Taste: might be my second-least favorite Narragansett beer I've had, after the standard lager, which tastes like drinking liquid pennies. It's totally one-note in it's malt attack, and has no complexity at all in my opinion. Not good.
Feel: medium-bodied, with a stickier finish than expected. Carbonation feels lower than it should be, and it definitely doesn't do the beer any favors.
Overall: I wouldn't drink it again, even if it was free. I'll spend my precious calories drinking something yummy.
Dec 11, 2015
2.8/5 rDev -21.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
Poured from a pounder can into a can glass:
Appearance: copper, amber color, with a fluffy off-white head that quickly dissipates. Light on the lacing.
Aroma: all caramel and toffee malt, with no discernible hops. Didn't get really any bitterness or dankness....it's all malt here, with a sweet undertone.
Taste: might be my second-least favorite Narragansett beer I've had, after the standard lager, which tastes like drinking liquid pennies. It's totally one-note in it's malt attack, and has no complexity at all in my opinion. Not good.
Feel: medium-bodied, with a stickier finish than expected. Carbonation feels lower than it should be, and it definitely doesn't do the beer any favors.
Overall: I wouldn't drink it again, even if it was free. I'll spend my precious calories drinking something yummy.
Dec 11, 2015
johnnnniee from New Hampshire
3.55/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Bottle from Lazy Dog
Deep amber color with a hint of haze and a frothy off white head that covers the glass in lace on the way down . Caramel and toffee maltiness underneath a pretty hoppy citrus and pine smack down. Hints of mineral water isn't really off putting but its there. That's not too shabby!
Dec 09, 2015
3.55/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Bottle from Lazy Dog
Deep amber color with a hint of haze and a frothy off white head that covers the glass in lace on the way down . Caramel and toffee maltiness underneath a pretty hoppy citrus and pine smack down. Hints of mineral water isn't really off putting but its there. That's not too shabby!
Dec 09, 2015
Davepoolesque from Massachusetts
3.49/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Eh. It's what you'd expect from Narragansett trying to pull off a pale ale. More English style. Malty. Slightly watered down. Would be good for warmer weather.
Nov 30, 2015
3.49/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Eh. It's what you'd expect from Narragansett trying to pull off a pale ale. More English style. Malty. Slightly watered down. Would be good for warmer weather.
Nov 30, 2015
Brad007 from Vermont
3.41/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a decent amber color with a thick head into my glass. Darker than expected.
Surprisingly crisp hop aroma with notes of grass and pine.
There's something to be said about the simplicity of this beer. It's balanced with grassiness and rich, buttery malt. There's so much to like here.
Finishes clean with that tasty malt afterbite. Some bitterness lingers too.
This is an excellent pale ale. Easily my favorite Narragansett seasonal of 2015.
Nov 29, 2015
3.41/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a decent amber color with a thick head into my glass. Darker than expected.
Surprisingly crisp hop aroma with notes of grass and pine.
There's something to be said about the simplicity of this beer. It's balanced with grassiness and rich, buttery malt. There's so much to like here.
Finishes clean with that tasty malt afterbite. Some bitterness lingers too.
This is an excellent pale ale. Easily my favorite Narragansett seasonal of 2015.
Nov 29, 2015
illpass78 from Maine
3.44/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Pint can poured into a mason.
Appearance: It's clear copper with a big eggshell head.
Aroma: More sticky and piney than I expected. Some grass and bread, too.
Taste: Pretty standard hoppy pale ale. Sort of a hoppier Bass. Follows the nose along with a little caramel.
Mouthfeel: Standard. Borders slightly heavy for style.
Overall: Love the battleship, beer is kind of average.
Nov 28, 2015
3.44/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Pint can poured into a mason.
Appearance: It's clear copper with a big eggshell head.
Aroma: More sticky and piney than I expected. Some grass and bread, too.
Taste: Pretty standard hoppy pale ale. Sort of a hoppier Bass. Follows the nose along with a little caramel.
Mouthfeel: Standard. Borders slightly heavy for style.
Overall: Love the battleship, beer is kind of average.
Nov 28, 2015
irrevjim from Massachusetts
3.89/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
from a tall boy to a pint tulip
look; big mamie has a big head,fluffy and white. it eventually goes from 1" to a pretty thick covering, nice amber color with visible carbonation. substantial lacing stays around
smell; sierra nevada on draft at the brewery, malt, balanced fruity citrusy piney hops
taste; kind of follows nose, with some nice earthiness as well
feel; medium bodied and slightly overcarbonated, slightly sticky, no one taste dominates finish
this is a very solid apa, nothing mind-blowing but big bang standard apa taste.
Nov 26, 2015
3.89/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
from a tall boy to a pint tulip
look; big mamie has a big head,fluffy and white. it eventually goes from 1" to a pretty thick covering, nice amber color with visible carbonation. substantial lacing stays around
smell; sierra nevada on draft at the brewery, malt, balanced fruity citrusy piney hops
taste; kind of follows nose, with some nice earthiness as well
feel; medium bodied and slightly overcarbonated, slightly sticky, no one taste dominates finish
this is a very solid apa, nothing mind-blowing but big bang standard apa taste.
Nov 26, 2015
TheManiacalOne from Rhode Island
3.94/5 rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 16oz can into a US tumbler pint glass.
A: The beer is a deep golden brown color with a short off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.
S: The aroma contains caramelized malts, earthy hops and some citrus.
T: The taste starts out bready with a hearty but not too heavy malt character up front. Then some sweetness comes in from flavors of caramel and citrus. There is an earthy hops presence that is significant but not over-powering and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly bready and slightly sweet.
M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is clean.
O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, mild kick, good representation of style, this is solid beer to pound down for a long time.
Nov 22, 2015
3.94/5 rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 16oz can into a US tumbler pint glass.
A: The beer is a deep golden brown color with a short off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.
S: The aroma contains caramelized malts, earthy hops and some citrus.
T: The taste starts out bready with a hearty but not too heavy malt character up front. Then some sweetness comes in from flavors of caramel and citrus. There is an earthy hops presence that is significant but not over-powering and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly bready and slightly sweet.
M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is clean.
O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, mild kick, good representation of style, this is solid beer to pound down for a long time.
Nov 22, 2015
Big Mamie Indestructible Pale Ale from Narragansett Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
82 out of
100 with
65 ratings
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