Bell’s Oarsman Ale! Why don’t I drink more of it? I’m sure I don’t know. I first enjoyed this sour wheat ale on January 29th of 2013, on tap at Taco Mac. For whatever reason, I didn’t take any tasting notes, or record the price I paid. More’s the pity.
My next encounter with Oarsman Ale was on June 3rd of 2018. That’s when I found a can in my beer fridge-stamped on the bottom as packaged on 04/26/16! Over two years old. Still and all, beer doesn’t really go bad in an unhealthy sort of way in my experience (I drank a bottle of Ballantine Burton Ale brewed in 1934 and bottled in 1941, in June of 1999). I’m still here. So, I was determined not to waste this one. Surprise! It was wonderful.
Bell’s says:
First brewed in 2008 at our original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo, Oarsman Ale grew out of our desire to explore the tradition of session beers and to create a unique, flavorful experience for everyone, no matter what the occasion.
Tart and refreshing, this sessionable, bright Wheat Ale exudes citrus and lemony aromas from Cascade hops and trades sour intensity for finesse. A perfect companion for any occasion, Oarsman Ale is a beer based in tradition, but with that distinctive Bell’s twist.
Bell’s Oarsman Ale has an alcohol content of 4% by volume and runs $8.99 a six-pack in cans at Total Wine. Interestingly, Bells pegs the shelf life at 6 months on their website, Mine lasted more than 4 times as long.
Bell’s Oarsman Ale pours to a pale straw color with a thick fizzy head that fades almost as quickly as it forms and a sour and citrusy nose. Taking a sip, the beer is quite light in body with tart crackery wheat supporting a subtle dry sourness that is not puckering but is refreshing. Lemony citrus comes through into the sour, quenching finish. What a perfect beer for today’s 91-degree heat!
I saw yeast in the can, and indeed my can does say the beer is unfiltered. Even after all this time the citrusy Cascades were still apparent, and the sourness refreshing. Have I mentioned I really appreciate the low ABV? Too many brewers seem afraid of this. I’ll try it fresh (again) and get back to you, but this is a very tasty little beer indeed.
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