Frederick Brewing certainly had a good idea with Hempen Ale,
form a marketing standpoint if nothing else. I've seen this beer sold in
countless locations, including many smaller packaged liquor stores with not
much of a craft brew selection to speak of. The brewer claims that the
addition of hemp seeds to the brewing process of this brown ale gives the
beer "it's creamy head" and imparts "mellow herbal flavors and aromas." I
suspect that the hemp seeds more notorious reputation may have been the
inspiration for it's use in a beer, and it is that reputation that has
spurred sales of Hempen Ale to such heights.
Hempen Ale is light brown in color with good carbonation
and a slightly malty, fruity nose. I get more of both fruit and slightly
sweet malt in the palate, as well as a moderately bitter hop finish. There
seems to be a slightly grassy, vegetal character to the beer that could be
the influence of the hemp seeds, though I'm not sure exactly what hemp seeds
taste like. A quaffable, quite tasty beer.
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