The Dedly Blog

Beer In Review: A Tale of Two Apricot Ales

You wouldn't think that I'd find two Apricot Ales to sample, but indeed I did. It's not like it's that common a flavor.

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I had a day to ourselves, which we used to go down to Manhattan to see Spamalot. Afterwards, we decided to hit a couple different places on our way back to Grand Central. One of these was the Heartland Brewery, a brewpub with several locations in NYC. We got a couple appetizers and a couple pints.

I had their Summertime Apricot Ale. Apricot in color with a medium body this might've been a good beer, except for the fact that the caramel taste was overwhelming. It was all I could taste. Tammy agreed. Her choice, the Red Rooster Ale, was much better. So for the first time in this blog, I've reviewed a beer that I can't recommend. For the record, it's 4.5% ABV.

Update 2010: ABV's have changed. Maybe the recipe too?

A much better beer is Ithaca Beer Company's Apricot Wheat Ale. Now this is a good beer. It's smooth and refreshing and actually has an apricot taste. It's has a lighter apricot color but is no way a watered down beer. And since it's a wheat beer, the underlying esters bolster the fruity taste without making you feel like you're sucking on an apricot. 5.0% ABV.

\_/
DED

posted by DED at 9:52 AM

 Alan P. said...

I've tried apricot wine coolers before, but not ale. Since you've sorted 'em out, maybe I'll try one.

8/11/2006 2:26 PM

 DED said...

Well, there certainly won't be any confusion to your taste buds between apricot ales and apricot wine coolers.

Unfortunately, Ithaca Beer does not have distribution in Oklahoma. Sorry. :( It's only available in NY, CT, RI and Mass. They're working on getting distribution in the remaining New England states plus PA, NJ, and Ohio.

8/11/2006 4:07 PM

 Mike said...

Ded-

I think you owe it to Mort to FedEx some Apricot Ale to OK.

8/12/2006 9:17 AM

 jnubel said...

While I admit to being a fan of blueberry ales, but Apricot??? What's next, pomegranate? Good grief!

Wendy and I got to see Spamalot last year with its original cast. Obviously good times were had. We just saw Avenue Q which is a grown up version of Sesame Street. If you get a chance you should look it up by all means put it on your list of shows to go see. Hilarious, puppets and all!

8/14/2006 8:40 AM

 DED said...

Mike: It's not that easy. Some states prohibit the distribution of alcoholic beverages through the mail.

Jim: Perhaps coconuts....

I don't see many plays. I think that in the past 11 years I've seen 3. But I'll keep the recommendation in mind nonetheless.

8/14/2006 10:00 AM

 Mike said...

Ded-

Prohibit shmohibit! What are a couple state laws between blog buddies?

Mort needs his apricot beer. Aincha' gonna hook a brother up?

8/15/2006 3:59 PM

 DED said...

We'll see how well things go this weekend as I smuggle blueberry ale and blueberry pies into New Jersey.

8/15/2006 4:16 PM

 Mike said...

Now we're talkin!

8/16/2006 7:57 PM