Belfast Bay Lobster Ale ($7.99 for a six-pack at Uncle Tom's)
This Maine classic is the first American red ale I have reviewed so far this year. Presenting itself with a catchy, cliché Maine label, this Lobster Ale looks as though it were bottled right on the lobster boat, with a tasteful blend of the industry's characteristic reds and whites. The pour was a smooth one?very little head and a brilliant red hue that almost made me put on sunglasses when the glass was held up to light. Upon first taste, I was instantly surprised by the body of this beer. It had a texture akin to that of a golden ale but without the aftertaste?like a dry, pale ale.
I sensed a small bite of bitterness in the Lobster Ale, perhaps the residual aggression leftover from de-clawing so many of the sea creatures during the production of the brew. After finishing the beer, I realized that although this ale was wonderfully crafted, red ales are not my cup of tea. They aren't as full-bodied in taste as the dark lagers. My Scores: Taste: 2.8, Partyability: 1.8, Benefit/Cost: 2.3.
Sunday River Lager ($8.25 for a six-pack at Uncle Tom's)
Who would have thought that a ski resort in Maine would have its own brewing company? It is an interesting concept, driving me to indulge in a bottle of the export-style lager. Probably the most attractive thing about this beer, besides the name, is the Jefferson Airplane/Grateful Dead style color scheme, articulated by the swirling letters and tie-dyed appearance of its background. Even if you don't end up liking this beer, at least you can casually display the empty bottle around your room so that you look like you are somewhat cool. The color of this brew is much the same as other lagers, though it seems to have more of a golden, honey-like tint than others I have tried in weeks past. When it passed my lips and continued down my throat, I noticed the taste of the lager was a bit thin, much the way Rolling Rock has a definitive taste but doesn't overwhelm you or your taste buds. I could see this being a terrific après ski companion, perhaps in the months when spring skiing is in abundance (e.g. the spring). Sunday River has a few other beers that I imagine are worth trying; their labels are even more awesome than this lager's, which is the primary reason that I am interested in trying them. My Scores: Taste: 3.7, Partyability: 4, (just because you'll look like the man when you're drinking these) Benefit/Cost: 3.6.