Beer Review: Bell's Oarsman Ale

Serving Type: Bottle

ABV: Four percent

Appearance: Bell's Oarsman Ale pours a lemon-like shade of yellow. There was a slight haze that gives the beer an appearance of slight thickness. There was decent visible carbonation. The head of the beer as about the thickness of a quarter inch and only left minimal lacing. I can certainly let that slide as I've read that Berliner Weisse brews aren't exactly known for their heads.

Smell: Overall, the aroma of this was loaded with wheat and citrus. There was also a bit of yeasty character to it. This smelled very sour and tart as well. I was reminded of when I used to purchase and open up a pack of Shock Tarts as a kid. I think I remember them being called that. Anyways, on with the review.

Taste: This was a very enjoyable tease upon drinking. On the very tip of the tongue it was a hint of sweetness. Then the tartness of the beer took over. It was a tasty lemon flavor. I mean that in more of a sour sense rather than a fruity one. As the sip drifted towards the back I got more of the wheat and yeasty characters in the brew. There wasn't any hop notes to be noticed or compliment in any way, shape or form! I enjoyed it that way. Any bitterness on the finish would have interfered with the crispness of this beer.

Overall Rating: 

This is one of my favorites. I'm not completely knowledgeable on the Berliner Weissbier style yet, but I really enjoy this beer on a hot day. Sweet, yet sour and very crisp and refreshing. Tastes amazing and plays like a lighter beer. I never fill full after having a couple of these. Bell's with another awesome beer.

Beer Review: Bell's Winter White Ale

I've had a rough start to the season of winter ales. I haven't given a rating higher than two-of-five stars to any of the ones I've reviewed. Maybe that changes with the beer I'm reviewing today. This beer isn't one to be judged by its cover. Not to worry. Bell's Brewing has a good track record with me as the Oarsman (summer session) is one of my favorites.

Serving Type: Draft

ABV: Five percent

Appearance: Winter White doesn't look like what you'd expect any ordinary winter ale to look like. Most of them are in the form of a dark red or brown. This beer is hazy and golden. Just like a witbier, except that it's not. It's hazy and has a pretty thick, white head. The lacing on the glass is also pretty to look at.

Smell: It smells like a Belgian witbier, but with a few of the spices you get from a normal winter ale. The spices linger in your nostrils and sing a few Christmas carols while they're up there.

Taste: I think this beer has the perfect spice taste of all of the winter ales that I've tried. Something new that I came across is the slight hint of a citrus fruit behind all of the spices. Very interesting and creative on the part of Bell's.

Overall Rating:   

I really loved this beer. They say not to fruit your beer. I say that's a bunch of hogwash. Some of the best beers out there are brewed with fruit. It just so happened in this case that a fruity taste was just what I was looking for to compliment the spice of winter ales.