Rack Stowed (with Outer Light)
Big Grove Brewery

 

Light straw color--light enough and clear enough to read through the center of the glass. Modest white head that settles to film quickly. Some smaller streaks and spots for lace.

The smell is better than most Cream Ales as I detect no corn or other adjuncts. The can say differently and proudly, "ale made with corn." Nevertheless, for it not to appear is amazing. I pick up mostly pale malt and a whiff of bittering hop. I do not get any cream or lactose--the beer is dry.

Thin and bubbly like a good Cream Ale, the taste is more hoppy than the smell (or style) suggests. But I say that makes this a better beer. The start is light, light malt. I'm tempted to say watery but it wouldn't do this brew justice. The hop is quite strong for the style (perhaps the strongest I've ever had), but it isn't so strong as to exceed those of a typical pale ale. That said, the aftertaste drops off quickly.

Overall, this would be one of the few Cream Ales I would seek out. It's obvious a lot of care went into the brewing of this batch.