Cricket Hill Brewing Co.
Fairfield, NJ
Available: NY, NJ, PA, ME
This fall release is a harvest ale, in keeping with the brewery’s commitment to making session beers in classic flavors.
ABV: 4.8
ABW: n/a
Color: n/a
Bitterness: n/a
Original gravity: n/a
The ale has—fittingly—a russet/bronze glowing autumnal color with a complex aroma of sultana fruit and tangerines plus a wholemeal bread maltiness underscored by peppery hops. Tangerine fruit builds in the mouth with juicy malt and bitter hop resins. Hop bitterness grows in the finish but is balanced by tart and tangy fruit and rich grain.
I know; I’m not quite sure what to expect either. The beer has a light amber color and forms a thin white head. The nose is a surprise—very malty with an almost sesame-like nuttiness and some port wine notes. The palate is soft, with moderate hops pleasantly balanced against a dry but juicy malt center. The finish is clean and dry. Tasty, but what exactly was that? And where are my stuffed pork chops?
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
