Belfast Bay Lobster Ale

Draught at Thurston’s lobster pound in Bernard, ME. Really surprised me as this was a great amber ale. Very well balanced with malt and just enough bitterness from the hops. Give it a try if possible.

It’s really a clear amber brew with a thin tan head, bit of molasses and mild hoppiness, and a quick finish. I had hoped for more fruitiness here.

Shipyard Brewing seems to pump out a lot of beers under a variety of names - this is a practice that makes for fun labels that make one ask, "What is this little microbrew here?" - but that also makes one suspicious. This is a solidly built amber ale that is well-hopped and very drinkable - worth trying.

Bottle. Pours a ruddy reddish brown with a very nice tannish head. The nose is sweet, roasted winter fruit. This was better than I thought as I grabbed it running out the door of a CT beer shop. Much darker than a typical amber, it was hopped, fruited and roasted all kinda bouncing in the mix but not so badly. I mean, I don’t think I’ll be going back to get a 6er but if I saw it in your fridge, I’d grab a cold one.

[bottle] Nice lemony, citrus toffee aroma. Almost clear orangish brown with an eternal, off-white blanket that laces the glass nicely. Very good amber ale flavour with a good balance of many gentle characteristics: caramel, pine, lemon, hops bitterness. Apple and walnut notes. Light to medium body, medium carbonation that compliments the almost pronunced bitterness, and a bitter finish. Nice, but not extraordinary.