John Harvards Alt Bier

Brewed by John Harvards Brewhouse (Corporate Office)
Style: Altbier
Cambridge, Massachusetts USA

2005 GABF Gold Medal... Poured an amber color with a thin, off white head that left light lacing on the glass. Aroma of citrus fruits, light earth, caramel malt, some rauch, and a bit of toffee as well. Taste of more caramel malt, earthy yeast, nuts, and low bitterness.

Draught @ Wayne, PA: Almost no aroma. Just a bit of malt scent. Nice medium brown color. Medium white head. Good lacing. Flavor was malty, nutty, and a bit yeasty, like horseblanket. An easy drink. Not bad, but not the best Alt.

Poured hazy dark brown with aromas of caramel malt, some nuts. Tastes malty, with some walnutty finish.

Sampled on draft at the Monroeville PA location this beer poured a cloudy light brown color with only a trace of a white head. The aroma was of light malts and moderate yet undefined hops. The flavor was lightly malty with a hint of spice and a dry finish. A drinkable but rather unremarkable brew.

Sampled at Manchester, CT location. Aroma is very difficult to decipher at first. Slight roasted metallic notes come through with more sweetness coming out as this warms. Transparent amber color with a small quickly dissipating yellowish head. Slightly sweet to start turning caramelly and roasty in the middle. Finishes with a metallic twang and light hop bitterness. Slightly thin.

[draft - John Harvard’s Pittsburgh - Monroeville, PA] Poured a clear copper color with a tan head. Very strong sweet malt and hops aroma. Initial taste was a blast of hops that gave way quickly to a nice smooth and sweet malt finish.