New Albion Brewing Company New Albion Ale, In Collaboration with Samuel Adams. Brewed and bottled by New Albion Brewing Company, Boston, MA.
Lightly hazy, bright golden appearance, slim white head.
Aroma: Lightly hoppy, slightly sour and musty, citrus notes abound. Sort of a mineral smell all over this.
Taste: Hoppy at first, staying soft on the palate, lasting a while, then fading lightly into the background. Light bodied, faint malt. Boy, that about says it, really. There's nothing really here.
I bought this 6-pack for the historical curiosity of the beer. Let's see what Jim Koch says on the carrier copy: "While I come from a long line of brewers, one of the people who inspired me to start my own brewery is Jack McAuliffe. In 1976, Jack was quietly starting the American craft beer revolution when he opened the New Albion Brewing Company in Sonoma, CA. JAck's first brew, New Albion Ale, is the beer that started it all. Brewed solely with American Cascade hops, the Golden American pale ale has a distinct citrus hop note and and subtle piney character. A delicious brew, it's no wonder New Albion Ale inspired many of the pale ales we drink today. In honor of Jack's pioneering spirit and contributions to the craft beer movement, I'm happy to release New Albion Ale, brewed together with Jack, using his original recipe. When you enjoy this beer, you're tasting a piece of craft beer history."
Even with the perspective of history before us, I can't really call this "a delicious brew." All of the pale ales it inspired make it pale in comparison. It's good to know what kicked things off, but I won't be returning to this beer.
Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, it's not undrinkable, and I bet this was wonderful in 1976, when there was nothing around but pale, dull lagers.
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