Buzzards Bay Golden Ale

August 2008 Beer of the Month Club
(Rating is from 9/2/08)

Overall Impression: Pretty dark and bitter for a golden, but lacking any exceeding flavor characteristics, just not a whole lot there.

I am reminded of the smell I get from pouring an upstate NY lager like Matt’s or Genesee. A touch of hop, a slight, slight note of all spice or clove Golden to amber in color, the beer produces a modest head that decreases to a thin layer of bubbles within 2 minutes. Very clear. Very nice pale malt flavor that lasts well into the aftertaste. Midway, I sense a subtle hop, but this is a predominately malty ale, although it is more crisp than most. While thinner than most beers I consume, it is reasonably full-bodied. I wouldn’t necessarily clamor for more; but I would easily take another at a tailgate on a warm September afternoon.

Got this in the beer of the month (Aug beer) gift my wife gave me. Poured a clear burnt orange color, no head and very little carbonation. Aroma is very low but a bit of a burnt malt aroma seeps through mixed with a semi-hallertauer hops aroma. The flavor is pretty bland being mostly a light roasted flavor at the end and nothing really in between. An ok brew but really plain.

Sampled a while back. Let me start by saying I had Buzzard’s Bay Lager and this seems to taste just like it. Bright golden, color, very clear and topped with a pretty nice head. Somewhat sweet, smooth with a mild aftertaste. Grainy and not all that flavorful. It goes down fine, isn’t a bad beer but seems way too much like their Lager. Maybe that’s why it was retired.

12 oz. bottle gift from a friend - Pours a clear golden color with a thin white head. Light carbonation. Very light spotty lacing. Has a grain and herbal hop aroma. Smells kinda skunky too. Light sweet grain malt and hop flavor. Thin palate and light body. Slight oxidation noticeable. This beer was a year past its prime. I doubt it was much better when fresh. Thanks Mike

Better than the macros but not by much. Herbal hops present. Light in the palate but refreshing. Unremarkable.

Very pale yellow that was mild and easy to drink. A bit light for my taste but a well balanced and smooth beer.

Very clear pale golden color with a sticky-lacing thin white head. Very mild, lightly sweet and floral hoppy aroma has some grainy notes. Thin, watery body has some grainy pale malty sugars, soft carbonation and light earthy hoppy bitterness. A very drinkable beer and fairly true to style, but bland and uninteresting.