Southern Tier Harvest Ale

Brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Company
Style: Premium Bitter/ESB
Lakewood, New York USA

Style and Glass: ESB; English pint ABV, Volume & Calories: 5.7 % in 12 fl oz. estimated at 150 C Purchased at: Super Saver, Pennington, NJ for $2.00 Aroma: nice, wheat, hay, hops, corn, sugar. 8 out of 10. Visuals: good design, golden, clear, long lasting white head, sticky lace. 5 out of 5. Taste: expertly balanced, medium malt, medium hops, medium strength, well crafted. 10 out of 10. Palate: high quality, chalky texture, long medium bitter finish. 5 out of 5. Overall: A beautiful example of what an everyday or session brew should be, an absolute repeat, not a favorite, but it’s not my favorite style either, high value, high craft. This is what Budweiser Ale should strive hard to be. 20 out of 20.

What a surprise this beer was. Most of the "exceptional" Southern Tier ales are only available in 22oz. bottles. Most of their 12 oz. bottles are good beers but not exceptional. Harvest Ale is exceptional. A great hoppy earthy flavor. Not much of a lasting head, but a great smooth finish. It’s a shame it’s seasonal.

Every once in awhile, life treats us to a surprise. And every once in awhile, those surprises exceed even our wildest expectations. I bought this case of Southern Tier beers from Shangy’s because it was affordably priced, had a variety of 4 beers I had never tried, and I liked the labels. The IPA has already knocked me out, and this one just goes over the top! Again, my label is more modernized than the photo at left. Pours slightly turbid gold with a medium white head and average lacing. Gigantic aroma of hops, citrus, malt, pine, resin. Tastes super hoppy, with a firm malt backbone and a crsip, smooth, piney finish, even a touch of Tanqueray gin. I have two more Souther Tier beers to try from my variety case. These beers destroy ass! I know where two more cases are, and I’ll be getting them tomorrow before anyone else hears about this. This secret won’t stay secret for long.

Nice deep hue to beer. Nice head. Initially smells of fruits and hops. First taste explodes in your mouth. After two on tap I feel this is one of the best PAs made. I got this on tap at McGregors in Rochester, NY

Buffalo Brewfest 04. This was my beer of the festival. I thought this had a very unique "fresh" taste, even before the above description told me to think that. Classic orange pour, strong floral hop aroma. Very strong fresh malt and hop taste. The fruity hops are balanced well with the rest of the beer. Fantastic, although my original review was infuenced by a day full of samples for sure. I have since had this in a bottle and I still really enjoy it, it just isn’t a 4.7 in my books, which I originally drunkenly rated it. Nice beer though.

Pours a clear light amber, with a big fluffy white head that mostly lasts, leaved great lace on the glass. Aroma is biscuity malts, with lots of fresh floral and pine from the abundant hops. Flavor starts with some good biscuit and caramel maltiness, ends with a huge fresh tasting hoppy goodness. Medium-full bodied, extremely good stuff. Thanks to jah noth for this fine ale.

Light amber in colour with a thin tan head. Very strong grapefruity hop aroma. Strong, fresh and very nice! Medium-bodied; Significant hoppy flavour with a good malt background. Aftertaste very bittered from the hops. Slight citrus taste from start-to-finish. Overall, a great IPA, well-balanced and complete! I wish this was a year-round offering, but it's great to have it very fresh. I had mine when it was less than a week old. I got this pint on draught at MacGregor's in Rochester, New York.

Wow...! Where the hell did this brewery come from? I’ve been drinking micro-brewed beers for about a year and a half now, and I only came across this lovely variety pack just a couple of days ago. I am VERY impressed with these beers, especially this one. My bottle says phin and matts extraordinary ale...and that it definately is. This is a very clean, crisp, unique ale that I found ver enjoyable. Could easily have a LONG session with this stuff. This is a damn fine brew plain and simple. I’m not going to get all technical about the aspects of aroma and flavor, just go out and get yourself a case of this...you’ll thank me. It’s about 30 bucks. cheers!