Kraftbrau Summer Alt

Formerly brewed at Kraftbrau Brewery
Style: American Strong Ale
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

Serve in Snifter, Trappist glass

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On tap @ the brewpub: Clear gold with a white head. Aroma, light malts, some floral and citrus notes. Flavor, pale malts, some citrus, floral notes, not bad.

One of my favorites from Kraftbrau. Cascade and orange/lemon balances are superb. An excellent thirst quencher (albeit a potent one), and a great summer beer.

Phew...after trying that Bird in the Hand this offering is a relief. Seems like Kraftbrau’s take on Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale (hence, the "alt" on the label is a misnomer), with abundant Cascade hops lending pine, grapefruit, lemon, guava, and mango skin aroma and flavor that combines for a quite tropical feel. Has just enough toasty malt balance to keep it eminently drinkable. Kudos, Kraftbrau!

RBSG2003 (extended) (On tap at the brewery) Almost clear, straw-colored ale. Small, white, creamy head. The nose is citrusy and yeasty with notes of sweat and leather. Mild, refreshing and nice overall. Very well-balanced flavor. Lightly bitter and grassy with whispers of grapefruit rind. Bone-dry finish with moderate bitterness. Very nice seasonal. If this beer is called Summer Alt, how can it be classified as a Winter Seasonal? Just something to think about.

Fogged yeast laden peach. Billowy gleaming white foam. Bottle conditioned. Stunningly clean aroma of fresh green leaf, lemon, peaches and cream, white grape, glue, and bready, subtly musty yeast notes. Voluptuous earthy, noble-like hop profile. How can these be Cascades? Underlying crushed oranges, phenols, and tobacco notes. Soft mouthfeel. Lightly prickly carbonation. Candy-dusted malt flavors are paired with delicate leafy, minty hops. Notable bitterness. Soft, dainty tea-like finish alongside mineral notes, tropical fruits, earthy bitterness, peaches, and leather. Could benefit from more malt emphasis, but the yeast is clean and delightful, and the hops are remarkably well placed. It’s overly yeasty and hoppy, and not malty enough to be an Altbier. Imperial Heller Alt de garde? Thanks, Prof.

Well, there seems to be deliberate misuse of the Alt label here; this is a pilsernish Ale, or a super malty Kolschish thing with Cascades, but hwatever the hell it is it is certainly refreshing, clean, and well made. Malts do have a bit of sweetness reminiscent of an American Strong, but Paul, do you really think that's the style? It is good!

Slightly cloudy yellow appearance. Citrusy hop aroma. Quite bitter finish. Nicely balanced. So, the issue is, they call this an Alt and then describe is as a pale ale. hmmm.