Malt Monday’s Beer Review of the Week: Blue Point Brewing Company Blueberry Ale

Blue Point Brewing Company Blueberry Ale

Style: Specialty beer, Fruit

Alcohol by Volume (ABV):4.6%

Calories: 138

Price: $1.89/bottle

I had a chance to attend the Philadelphia PA Beer Fest this weekend and taste some amazing beers.  I noticed a large presence of fruit-style beers which was slightly surprising for a Beer Fest.  I always thought of a Beer Fest as a very manly thing and fruit beers aren’t the most masculine.  There were some nice surprises at the PA Beer Fest and I definitely found some gems I plan to share with you for future Malt Monday posts.

Present at the 2012 PA Beer Fest was Blue Point Brewing Company based out of Patchogue, Long Island New York.  At the show, Blue Point Brewery featured their Toasted Lager, White IPA and their Hoptical Illusion IPA which were all tasty in their own respective ways, however, for this week;s Malt Monday review  I opted to showcase their Blueberry Ale which was not part of the PA Beer Fest tasting.

Since I leave near the town known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World”  and I happen to have two, yes two, blueberry bushes in my garden I can refer to myself as a blueberry expert, right?  Right!

Blue Point Brewery Company’s Blueberry Ale is their top-selling specialty fruit beer.  According to Blue Point Brewery Company’s site, the “Blueberry Ale offers an unusual twist on brewing that turns out to be just perfect. A wonderful blend of fresh blueberries matched with a thirst quenching distinctive ale.”    Brewed with 100% American ingredients the company states 132 lbs of blueberries are added to each special batch.

A nice straw-colored ale, this beer produced a significant amount of foam when poured into this glass.  The foam left very little lacing and didn’t interfere with the overall taste of the beer.  The blueberry flavor hits you immediately but it is not overpowering and stays present throughout the entire beer.  Very tasty, light, crisp and refreshing with hardly any noticeable alcohol.  It is easy drinking, for sure.

There are a couple of things that come to mind when thinking about this beer:  good summer beer,  easy to drink and a nice choice for the ladies or those not overly fond of beer.  Even my husband, who hated nearly every beer he tasted at the PA Beer Fest,  liked this beer so that has to tell you something.

Blue Point Brewery Company’s Blueberry Ale is GGG approved, for sure.   I will be buying this lovely, little beer again.  Cheers!

Beer served in PA Beer Fest Commemorative Pint Glass

Disclaimer: The purpose of this review is to offer GGG readers an objective opinion so they can make an informed decision before buying this beer.  This review was based on quality, flavor and overall taste.  GGG will always deliver an honest and unbiased opinion.  No goods or money were exchanged as a result of this review.

Malt Monday’s Beer Review of the Week: River Horse Special Ale

River Horse Special Ale

Style: American Amber Ale

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.5%

Calories:165

Price: $1.99/bottle

After a bunch of Octoberfest and Pumpkin duds I was excited to start November with a fresh selection of beers.

I decided to take a break from the seasonal beers and go back to a good old amber ale.  This week’s selection is River Horse Special Ale out of Lambertville, New Jersey.  I chose this beer not realizing it was from my home state and it’s so fitting since all eyes are on NJ in the wake of Hurricane Sandy so it’s only appropriate to have a New Jersey based beer be the choice for this week’s Malt Monday.

River Horse Special Ale is nice, down-to-earth ale.  It poured a beautiful, rich amber color with a nice, frothy head.  The beer was tasty, with hints of caramel and a malty, natural base which finished a little sweet.  Rather low in alcohol volume, this was a nice, light beer to drink and enjoy after a long day.  This would be a good beer for day drinking; maybe to enjoy at a BBQ or while tailgating at a sporting event or concert.

River Horse Brewing Company’s motto is to “make great beer and have fun doing it,” and I think they are well on their way.  While River Horse Special Ale is not the best beer I  have ever had it is one that I would definitely choose again.  Easy, drinkable and a nice entry into the world of craft beers, this week’s Malt Monday selection is definitely GGG approved.

 PS – Isn’t my picture all festive and pretty?  Probably not the best picture for a manly beer but hey, chicks like beer too.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this review is to offer GGG readers an objective opinion so they can make an informed decision before buying this beer.  This review was based on quality, flavor and overall taste.  GGG will always deliver an honest and unbiased opinion.  No goods or money were exchanged as a result of this review.