Big Sky Crystal Ale

Bottle - This was kind of bland and blah. I have come to never expect greatness from this style. A slightly bready maltiness, with some sweet honey notes. Tastes like the 2nd runnings of one of their other beers, possibly the trout slayer, but just weak and bland all the way though, finishes with a slightly bitter citrus hop note.

Bottle. R-Bar, Bozeman Not sure if this was a really old bottle, but I was very dissapointed. Very clear and light. Minimal nose, overcarbed.

Picked up single 12-oz bottle at John’s Market Place in Portland, Oregon. Pours a clear golden blonde brew with a fast dissolving white head that leaves behind a white ring and spotty lacing. Aroma is very light with a hint of white enriched bread, a touch of orange zest and some herbal spice. Taste is highly carbonated, light bodied with flavors of white bread, some orange citrus peel with a mild bitterness. Finish is slightly gritty with a bready aftertaste at first and then clean cut with no bitterness. Bring on the 100+ F degree sunny day, a few bottles of Crystal Ale at 35 degrees and I’m set.

As expected, clear with white head. Refreshing and light. More flavor than I thought I’d get. I could put many of these away on a hot tejas summer day.

This beer struck me as being a bit under-rated on this site. I’ve noticed Big Sky beers popping up everywhere, and their IPA is certainly no good, but I was curious about some of their other beers, and was plesantly (albeit minorly) surprised by this beer. Its smell is bad (overly corn-ish smelling), but its tasting is faintly hoppy and pleasant. Not a bad beer, and earns a weak recommendation from me. Its appearance is a hazy bright yellow, with a head that is pleasantly abundant consisting of inconsistently sized bubbles. Aroma is a bit off-putting; this beer smells like corn grits. Flavor is good; very light but hoppy. Mouthfeel is unremarkable. There is a fair amount to like about this beer...I would drink this again.