All About Beer Magazine

Beer Talk

Harpoon Brown Ale

Published July 2007, Volume 28, Number 3

• Stephen Beaumont

  The subtitle of this beer is “Session Ale,” and at 4.3% alcohol, even Lew Bryson of the online “Session Beer Project” would approve. I like both its orangey-rust color and rich chocolate- and plum-filled nose, not to mention the robust and rounded body that belies its modest strength. On the palate, there’s a little raisin and chocolate up front, leading to a more mocha-ish body with a fair bit of fruity sweetness and a slightly brown sugary, toasty finish. A little too sweet for a proper session, perhaps, but I could probably fit one or two in between pints of bitter.

• Charlie Papazian

  Zesty apple-like aroma with hints of complex alcohols, though presumably a lower alcohol brew since it’s called a “session” beer. Chewy and medium-bodied brew, with mild malt and hop character. Easy drinking and doesn’t distract while engaging in a session of your choosing. Refreshing yet flavorful. Invite a friend and buy a six or 24. No regrets.

• Garrett Oliver

  Not so much brown as deep amber, the beer stands a fine, firm rocky head. A nice malty nose shows warm caramel and biscuit notes. The palate is smooth, well balanced, round on the tongue, slightly sweet in the center and pulls together for a dry-ish finish. Not a brown ale in my book — it shows almost no roast — but quite sessionable and well brewed, very nice with a burger.