Wednesday, August 3, 2011

For the Love of Beer


Is there really anything better than beer?


I can't think of anything - which is why I was ecstatic when the kind folks at Alexander Keith's beer company asked if I'd like to sample three of their new beers that are now available in the United States.

"Alexander Keith was born on October 5, 1795, in Halkirk, Scotland. At age 17, his father sent him into a brewing apprenticeship in Sunderland, England. After a five-year apprenticeship, Keith was certified by the Worshipful Company of Brewers, becoming the first person to hold such qualification upon his arrival in Nova Scotia, which means 'New Scotland,' in 1817."

The three new beers that recently hit the U.S. market are: the Nova Scotia Style Lager (5.4% abv); the Nova Scotia Style Pale Ale (5.4% abv); and the Nova Scotia Style Brown Ale (5.4% abv). Brewed in St. Louis, MO, Alexander Keith's new beers are available in 22 states across the U.S., including Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire. 

The first beer out of the three that I sampled was the Brown Ale. 


Resembling an Irish red in color, the brown ale had delightful hints of caramel and hops in flavor. Although I tend to be a fan of richer, darker brown ales, this was a great light ale to have with dinner on a hot, humid evening. 

Next up was the Pale Ale.


I always love a beer with a bubbly, foaming head, and it didn't hurt that Alexander Keith's Pale Ale was light, crisp and oh-so refreshing. I'll admit there was nothing entirely special about this brew, but if you're a fan of lighter beers (think Coors Light, but with a little more flavor and body), then this beer's for you. 

The final beer I tried was the Lager. 


I'm not usually a huge fan of lagers - I've had some bad ones - but Alexander Keith's version was surprisingly well-bodied, and easily quenched my thirst. I could definitely see myself picking up a six-pack of this for a barbecue, or to enjoy at home with dinner (without throwing the whole six-pack down in one sitting, of course. Ahem).

Although Z has turned me into quite the beer snob, I must say that I was very pleased with Alexander Keith's new beers. During the summertime, I really can't throw back too many heavy brews, and I found these light, crisp beverages to be perfect for sipping on hot summer evenings. 

If you're a beer drinker, what's your favorite brew to sip during the summertime? 

7 comments:

  1. what a fun sampling! Sometimes nothing hits the spot more than a crisp refreshing brew!

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  2. I'm not a big fan of lagers either, but it does look good

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  3. My favorite styles of beer are definitely lagers and Hefeweizens. I love German style beers more so than Belgian style. I used to not like darker beers as well, but that has not changed!

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  4. Shipyard Pumpkinhead is already out and that has been my go-to beer while we've been unpacking!

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  5. Yum! Sampling beers is definitely one of my favorite things to do and Chris has turned me into a beer snob, too :) In the summer, I love 21st Amendment's Hell or High Watermelon. It's perfectly fruity and super refreshing :)

    Sues

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  6. Sues, I just tried that beer for the first time last week, and I absolutely loved it! I also love how it comes in a can. ;)

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  7. Summertime usually means cold Pacifico with a lime or Longboard Ale, not too heavy. But that 21st Amendment beer sounds amazing. I could be persuaded to add it into the rotation.

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