It’s a given that if it’s Sunday and the New England Patriots football game is not televised here in the Atlanta area, you can find me at Taco Mac in Canton. I really look forward to these afternoons, and a New England beer while watching New England play just adds to the fun. So it was on November 27th when I enjoyed a Harpoon (or Hahpoon as I like to say) UFO Winter Blonde while watching the Pats squeak one by the Jets in Metlife Stadium.
UFO here stands for UnFiltered Offering, and that’s what you get with this beer. This is a wheat beer and an interesting one indeed, because if you close your eyes while sipping it’s almost like munching on fresh fallen snow. I assume that was the intention. The beer is made with vanilla and cold brew coffee.
From the website:
Whether skiing the snowy trails or enjoying a jovial game night, there’s nothing like capping off your winter adventures with this delightfully refreshing winter treat.
Harpoon UFO Winter Blonde (Go Pats!) has an alcohol content of 4.9% by volume with 11 IBUs. This beer is new for 2016. I paid $5.50 for a 20-ounce mug at Taco Mac and it goes for $9.49 a six-pack at Total Wine.
My mug of Harpoon UFO Winter Blonde arrived a hazy blonde color with a medium head of foam and a hint of vanilla in the nose. Taking a sip, that smooth vanilla emerges up front and continues into the crackery wheaty palate. A suggestion of coffee runs underneath, and the spicy vanilla reemerges to dry in the finish.
I like it! Very refreshing and apropos for cold weather; I think I’ll pick up a few bottles to stash for Christmas in July. I imagine it will be tasty indeed in the heat as well.
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