Hey Taco Mac! I think you’re a little late to the party with Heavy Seas Smooth Sail Summer Ale. Nota bene in the name: summer ale. That said, this keg wasn’t tapped until November, and I’m drinking it on November 20th. Ah well, who am I to complain? I make it a habit of again beers, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. One thing’s for sure, this tasty beer doesn’t seem to have suffered at all.
Actually, Heavy Seas says availability is planned for April through September, so this isn’t that far out of season. Heavy Seas Smooth Sail Summer Ale is intended to be a warm weather sipping brew, but it’s also tasty here in November. I’ll let them tell you a little about it:
This is not your average summer ale. We've created the most refreshingly delicious American wheat ale. Brewed with lemon and orange peel, Smooth Sail finishes with a citrus kick. At 4.5% ABV you'll have your new pool beer. Available on draft and cans only, it's the perfect beer for trips to the park, hiking, or just sitting on the beach with your friends. A summer day. Kick back, relax, enjoy - a light breeze will take you to your happy place.
I would add it’s also great for sipping at Taco Mac with a plate of signature Buffalo Wings. I can confirm that from experience.
Ingredients from the website:
Hops Warrior, Hallertau, Cascade
Malts 2-Row, Wheat Malt, Carapils
Heavy Seas Smooth Sail Summer Ale has 18 IBUs and I paid $6 for a 20-ounce mug at Taco Mac. Total Wine sells it for $9.99 a six-pack in cans.
My mug of Heavy Seas Smooth Sail Summer Ale arrived a hazy amber color rather than the usual yellowish-white color common for wheat beers. The head was thick and fluffy and the nose spicy citric with a hint of banana. Taking a sip, the beer has smooth crackery wheat and a bit of chewy caramel up front, subtle citrus, and finishes tart wheaty with a hint of bitter citrus rind. It’s a very drinkable brew indeed well suited for quaffing.
I enjoyed Heavy Seas Smooth Sail Summer ale well enough. It’s a tasty American wheat and I think I’ll buy it again. Next summer. Since it’s a summer ale.
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