WITH the beer market being ‘compromised’ by infused drops, Monteiths Summer Ale represents a refreshing change.
Forget the fact that summer has gone and winter is upon us, this beer is just ‘bloody easy to drink’ at any time of the year.
On the label Summer Ale says that it is ‘honey spiced’ and in the past I have found some honey beers to be a little to sweet for my liking.
Using Rata honey, Summer Ale has a sweet aroma but there is a more fruity flavour that comes through more than being sweet.
And one thing in Monteith’s Honey Spiced Summer Ale is that it doesn’t taste as ‘contrived’ as some other beers which claimed to have lemon or lime added.
It is every smooth across the palate and doesn’t leave a bitter after taste as you would expect from the ingredients.
There’s a hint of fruitiness and malt to this ale and although it is a full strength beer at 5 percent, it doesn’t sitting heavily in the stomach.
As for ‘sessionability’ I think it rates through the roof and being in 330ml stubbies, make sure you have plenty of hand.
It is very moorish and may appeal to those looking for a flavoursome beer which isn’t overpowering.
The purists might turn their nose up at Summer Ale because it doesn’t have the same bitterness they may be use to with commercial drops but women might find this very much to their liking.
Summer Ale would go down well with salads and light dishes, fresh seafood or even light stir-frys which aren’t too spicy.
It’s a great beer to finish the day with or to have at the start of a meal to ‘cleanse the palate’.
With a great golden colour and a great ‘social’ quality, Monteith’s Summer Ale (Honey Spiced) is an ideal way of keeping that summer feeling going in the dark of winter!
MY TIP
Get this beer nice a cold, almost chilled and while it is as good out of the stubbie, a tall glass will allow you to appreciate the smooth aroma. Ideal for lunches or sitting and enjoying in the winter sun, Monteith’s Summer Ale may not be the cheapest beer on the market at around $17 per 6 pack of 330ml. Forget winter and keep summer going!