Try?
It
just so happens that I have two bottles of Apricot ales this evening. I
thought it would be fun to compare the two against each other in back to
back reviews here. After reading this review it is therefore mandatory that you read
my second review, which will be on Magic
Hat #9 Ale. I refuse to break up the set.
Geographically, these beers are just about as far apart as you can get while
remaining in the United States. Pyramid is located in Seattle, Washington
and Berkeley, California. Magic Hat is on the opposite coast in Vermont,
just left of New Hampshire. Pyramid explains the origins of its Apricot Ale
thusly: "A long time ago in an orchard far, far away, our brewmasters
grew thirsty after a long day of picking succulent apricots. This
unfiltered, golden wheat brew with a distinctly fruity aroma was the tasty
result." Not sure how true this is, but whatever prompted Pyramid to add
apricot to their hefeweizen, it was a good idea in my book.
Pyramid Apricot Ale pours to a yellow-golden color with a thick foamy head
and strong fruity nose reminiscent of dried apricots. There's a thick blotch
of yeast in the bottom of my bottle, which has a best by date of November
16, 2000. The palate is overwhelmingly fruity to the extent of tasting like
fruit juice. Apricot all the way here with a touch of tart, crackery wheat
in the body and finish. There is sweetness too but it's not cloying. This is
a refreshing brew best suited for a warm Summer (or Fall day). Alcohol is
about average at 5.1 % by volume. If you don't like beer but do like
apricot, this is the brew for you. If you like beer and apricots too, then
you're really having a good day if you've found some Apricot Ale.
I think this would go well with any dish that a cherry beer would go well
with. Pork roast is what I'm enjoying tonight, sliced and simmered in a
garlic mushroom gravy. I like to drink, I like to cook. I even do the dishes
when I'm done. A man of many talents am I. Seriously, the sweetness of the
beer and fruit character contrasts the savory pork and gravy nicely. Give
this one a shot.
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
