The weather is starting to get warmer and the spring/summer beers are starting to make their debuts. One of the first ones I picked up this year is the Summer Solstice from Anderson Valley Brewing Company. This Cream Ale comes in at 5.6% ABV and promises a smooth mouth feel with a lightly sweet malty flavor.

Out of the 12 ounce bottle the Summer Solstice has a great burnt red, copper color with a off-white head that is large and bubbly at first but settles down to a ring. A great malty aroma greets you with nice creamy undertones. Elements of toffee, caramel, fresh bread, and a hint of dark fruit all make an appearance on the nose.

You can immediately tell that the Summer Solstice is a Cream Ale on your first taste. A good creamy flavor mixed with sweet malt, bread, some vanilla, and a drop of spice on the end from the hops are all here. It’s on point for what I was expecting for the style, though not what I was expecting for a summer beer. The flavors are overall very sweet with a medium body and creamy texture.

The Summer Solstice is not your typical spring/summer beer, and it could easily be much too sweet on a hot day. I do, however, think it is a great transition beer as we go into the warmer months. I enjoyed the flavor profile of the malt, vanilla, and cream playing off each other while having the touch of hops keeping things from getting too out of hand. If you find some Summer Solstice and want to try something different than the standard seasonal, I recommend you give it a try.

Rating

86
out of 100