Olde Buzzard Pale Ale Review

Olde Buzzard Pale Ale

Review Date 2/17/2003

Try? Re-buy?

If you’re ever out on Route 295 on the way to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, you might want to consider a stop in Westport for a visit to the Buzzard’s Bay Brewery. While not a brewpub, Buzzard’s Bay is a craft brewery and a very good one at that. To be sure, it’s not a microbrewery, and once you’re inside walking among the huge cylindro-conical fermenters and sizeable brew kettle, you’ll realize there’s nothing micro at all about Buzzard’s Bay.

Buzzard’s Bay has become very successful in southern New England through the aggressive marketing of their beers. In Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts Buzzard’s Bay beers have become ubiquitous, available bottled in most package stores and on tap in restaurants and pubs everywhere. It’s no wonder. Buzzard’s Bay beers have enough flavor to satisfy beer enthusiasts but aren’t so heavy as to scare away newcomers and casual drinkers.

One of my favorite Buzzard’s Bay brews is Olde Buzzard Pale Ale. It’s a delicious pale ale that’s simultaneously drinkable and flavorful. Easily approachable, it’s a great beer for those just acquainting themselves with the wonderful world of beer.

On October 15th of 1998 I wrote this about Olde Buzzard Pale Ale:

Brewed by Buzzard's Bay Brewing in Westport Massachusetts. This is a micro with a twist, the brewery is located on a farm, and some of the barley and hops are grown there. I'm drinking from bottling number 1, and if it's any indication of the future quality of beers coming from this brewer, I think they'll be around for quite awhile.

Olde Buzzard Pale Ale is deep ruby in color with fair carbonation and a faintly fruity nose. The palate has a crisp malt body to it, but it's the hops in the finish that make the beer special: a generous dose of East Kent Goldings impart a respectable hop bite, the bitterness lingers on the tongue for some time. The brewery calls this an ESB, that's pretty close I'd say, though the hoppiness seems one notch up on the style.

Olde Buzzard Pale Ale is brewed with fresh spring water from the Russell family’s farm, where they also grow some of the hops used in their beers. The Russell’s also operate a winery a short distance from the brewery for those who prefer the grape to the grain. Olde Buzzard Pale ale was first brewed in 1998, so it is a relative newcomer to the New England beer scene. Expansion plans have Buzzard’s Bay beers for sale in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Pale ale is a very popular style these days, and it’s easy to find wherever you go. Most of these are quite good and many similar, with only subtle nuances to set them apart from competitors. Olde Buzzard is perhaps hoppier than many, but I find it most delicious when enjoyed fresh in its native area. Beer to me will always be associated with local color wherever I go, and this beer is no exception to that rule.

Olde Buzzard Pale Ale pours to a deep ruby color with a medium head formation and an enticing fruity nose. The palate is crisp and firm with a biscuity malt flavor, a touch of fruit and a rich mouthfeel. The finish is refreshingly bitter with a good kiss of hops that linger lightly on the tongue. Classic East Kent Goldings put the hop buzz in this Buzzard.

I really enjoy this beer on draught and in bottles. It’s a wonderful brew with a wide variety of dishes, and goes especially well with fish. I enjoyed a bottle with baked New England cod, garlic mashed potatoes and a tossed garden salad.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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