Great Lakes Brewing Orange Peel Ale

650ml bottle
5.3% ABV
I tried this beer on May 9, 2008 at "Smokeless Joe’s" in Toronto. The beer poured a translucent orangy-brown with a thin white head. The aroma was some sweet malt, some citrus, although not really all that orangy, and some hops, although I was expecting a more hoppy assault from a beer with 5 kinds of hops in it. The mouthfeel is medium bodied, with medium carbonation, and leaves a dry feeling. The flavour had a little malt in it, and some bitter hop tones as well to round it off. A very enjoyable beer.

650ml bottle poured into a pint glass. Poured a hazy gold and orange colour with a 1" head. The head slowly dissipated and the lacing was good. Aroma is sweetness, of oranges and of faint hops. The oranges are not overpowering giving this an overall pleasant aroma. Taste has some sweetness upfront, very mild citrus notes, then it’s the bitter orange peels followed by the hops. It’s well balanced but nowhere near as sour I was expecting. The flavours also improved as the beer warmed up. It’s a similar orange flavour compared to that a good orange liquor. Average carbonation. Average feel. I didn’t know what to expect when I cracked this one open but I quite enjoyed it.

I haven’t had an Orange Peel since the summer when they brew it but I think I’ve had enough on patios around Toronto to nail this review like I had one yesterday. First of all, this beer falls into a great catagory for me - flavorful, unique and crisp while remaining extremly drinkable. The beer looks great - a bold orange - and possesses a subtle malt and orange aroma. The flavor is again subtle orange - enough but not too much - with a nice malt backing. Nicely balanced. Can’t wait for patio season......this brew is under rated by some - big time. Why?

650ml bomber from the LCBO. Pours a nice deep orange with a large off-white head. Aroma is really nice, biscuity malts, with citrus hops on top, a hint of orange. Flavour is even better, perfect malt backbone, and a zesty hop bite followed by the orange citrus finish and aftertaste. It’s delicate sweetness is delicious. I’m glad it comes in a larger format! The effervescence combined with the citrus is reminiscent of sprite, but it actually works well. The honey comes through more as it warms, and it’s actually very well balanced with the orange aspects. Well done!

Pours a nice deep amber colour almost a faint brown, with a nice rocky tan head. Nose is pretty tame, mostly caramel malts, and a tiny bit of orange. There’s a nice undertone of grassy hops too. Flavour is very similar, very malty and sweet, with pretty strong hop bitterness. There is some nice orange peel, it’s not overpowering, but it is stronger than you might imagine, and it’s pretty nice. Carbonation is low, which I’ve been enjoying more and more lately, and it’s reasonably chewy. I like it.

bomber from the LCBO. pours orange with a nice tan head. aromas are nice and malty and not at all what youd expect from the appearance. flavours are mostly malty with orange rind and a slightly hoppy finish. not bad but not what i was expecting. a dry hopped cask version of this could be something special.

Draft @ West 50. Seasonal, tart orange rind taste without being sweet like other fruit beers. Nice amber colour. Beginning to be a fan of Great Lakes brewery!

Orangey pour with a really thick head. The name and look make me think of a creamcicle. Thankfully it doesn’t taste like one. Scent of hops and grains. Distinct Great Lakes scent. Taste is suprisingly bitter, Thick with a warm finish. Really well balanced. Slight spice aftertaste.