Style: Cream Ale
ABV: 5.1%
IBU: 18
Nick’s Take
The cream ale is something that I believe satisfies every type of beer drinker. It’s light and refreshing, and not a bitter or robust beer, for those that stick with the traditional domestic lagers and pilsners. However, the cream ale adds a bit of a boost to that style of beer, which will be pleasing to the craft beer snob (I admittedly fall into this category, and snob is, of course, a term of endearment in this case). Having said that, Joe and I were on board to try the “Duck Hook” cream ale from Southern Pines Brewing Company, based in Southern Pines, NC.
Borrowing a pilsner glass from Joe and heading out back to his backyard patio and fire pit, I poured “Duck Hook” and had to take a moment to let the fluffy collar of foam subside a bit, before I could empty the remaining contents of the can. One of the parts of beer drinking I’ve enjoyed learning is that we should not be afraid to let our beer build some foam when pouring – this cream ale had plenty to show. The head stuck to the inside of the glass a bit, and the color of the beer was a very clear, clean light gold. I expected a refreshing beer from this appealing look, and was not disappointed. I skipped my usual step of acquiring the aromas in the beer and went immediately for a taste. I was greeted by an incredibly crisp beer that was well-carbonated and had a medium body. Another sip brought in those light malt notes, and with retronasal olfaction, I detected some sweetness that you might expect with a cream ale vs. a traditional pilsner. I realized I had not taken any smells at this point, so I gave the glass a little whirl to try stirring up the aromas. Not too surprisingly, it had a very light scent that was clean on the nose with mild sweetness detected. It reminded me of summer, and had me longing for those months again. Seriously, where did the time go this year?
By the time I finished this beer (which did not take long), I knew I could go for a second one right away. With this style, you’re enjoying the crispness and light flavors that make the drinking experience smooth and easy, and that’s the beer you know you can session. I can’t imagine a setting where this beer wouldn’t be fitting – beach, tailgate, campfire, or at home watching sports. Pair it with pizza, nachos, or anything with cheese and you’ll be as golden as “Duck Hook”.
Appearance: Clean looking, clear, light; prominent whipped foam. (4.5/5)
Aroma: Traditional clean smell with sweet tones. (4/5)
Mouthfeel: Medium body, crispy boi. (4/5)
Taste: Light malt notes, sweet/smooth finish. (3.5/5)
Drinkability: Very crushable light beer that would also be enjoyable sitting on the patio or around the fire on a cool evening. (5/5)
Total: 21/25
Joe’s Take
Cream ales…not usually a style I would reach for when selecting a beer but in working to expand my beer palate, something I had to go for. When I think of cream ales, all I can think of is my college friend, a Rochester, NY native, handing me a Genessee “Cream Ale.” Not appreciating the full flavor of beer yet (and borderline borderline despising it), I rejected the can after the first sip. It also seems that I have subconsciously avoided the style ever since. That experience aside, I figured it’s time to become reacquainted with the style. After tasting this week’s beer of the week Southern Pines Brewing has me reconsidering my predispositions with their version of a cream ale, “Duck Hook.”
We drank “Duck Hook” on a cool fall evening after setting up a nice fire in the backyard. We distanced ourselves from the fire for the tasting as to not let the smoke and burning wood meddle with our palates. Poured into a pilsner glass, this beer looked sleek and refreshing. It was a pale straw-gold color and was crystal clear. It foamed up with a nice white head composed of fine bubbles. When the head subsided, it left a generous amount of fine white lace on the glass. It looked to be a smooth refreshing beer, something I would soon confirm on tasting. It smelled of malt and possibly a touch of corn. I didn’t detect much hop aroma which fits in with the style. Not surprisingly, “Duck Hook” had a smooth creamy mouthfeel that finished somewhat dry. I tasted smooth malt flavors and just a hint of hop bitterness. Nick and I unanimously declared this beer as “crispy,” a term we have decidedly applied to beers that are light, smooth, and refreshing. The finish was very smooth with some light corn-like malt goodness. Crushability is at a high with this cream ale and it is a very sessionable brew. This beer will pair best with any outdoor activity, friendly gathering, or cookout. Despite my past experiences, after drinking “Duck Hook” I know I will be looking out for cream ales in the future.
Appearance: Crystal clear, straw to pale gold color, fine white head. (4.5/5)
Aroma: Subtle, clean, malty. (4/5)
Mouthfeel: Smooth, creamy, crispy – or in some circles “kwispy.” (4.5/5)
Taste: Light malt, some corn especially on retronasal olfaction, mild hop bitterness. (4/5)
Drinkability: Crushable, could drink several while enjoying a variety of outdoor (or indoor) activities. (5/5)
Total: 22/25
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