This is the start of a series since we’re in an interesting season for craft beer. Starting this week will be a series of oktoberfest/harvest/bocks followed by 3 weeks of pumpkin beers. If you’ve drank with me before you know what I think of the pumpkin style.  Some were good while others still sucked the soul from my palate. Here we go!

Southern Tier Harvest Ale
brewery: Southern Tier – southerntierbrewing.com
style: Extra Special Bitter (ESB)
abv: 5.7%
serving size: 12oz
glass used: pint
price: $3.25

Overview
Harvest Ale is our celebration of the changing weather and the sowing of hops and barley that will be used in our upcoming brews. We usher in the fall with a classic English style Extra Special Bitter of the highest order. Deep ruby in color with an even deeper hop flavor… in fact, we throw fresh English hops into every brewing vessel, then dry hop after fermentation to impart a zesty kick. This beer has real hop character that mingles with fresh malted barley for an experience that will make you wish it were fall year ‘round.

What I think
As soon as I poured this I knew I was in love (sorry Lushie). The aroma was straight up hops with a twist of citrus but the body appearance worried me as it was almost as clear as a cheap macro. Thankfully the flavor was anything but cheap. the body had a medium feel but was packed full of citrus, hops and extremely crisp. The finish was refreshing with a slight hop aftertaste.

This pushes the boundaries with alcohol level on if I would call it a session beer but wtf, why not.  I can see myself sitting on my back porch, mowing the lawn, working on my car or even driving a semi truck without breaks down a hill during rush hour. See, you really can do anything!

When you see this beer it better make it into your basket. This is a MUST buy!

Spoon’s rating: A