Thursday, March 4, 2010

247. Anchor Liberty Ale

Liberty Ale is our third beer from Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco, CA; our first one was the classic regular Anchor Steam and the second was Christmas Ale 2009—I’ve been drinking all three since I was of legal age to do so, as all of the Anchor beers are a West Coast tradition.

Liberty Ale pours a clear pale copper with a mousse-y white head; the nose is bready with some slight spiciness. The front begins with bready malt sweetness accompanied by low levels of fruitiness that probably stem from yeast esters; Liberty Ale’s middle moves into some bitterness and more bread maltiness that is drier than that in the front, and also some spicy hop flavors before finishing dry with lingering bitterness. Liberty Ale is medium bodied with a chewy, creamy mouthfeel that ends crisply; the carbonation is rather soft, allowing the rounded flavors of the beer to dominate. A drinkable and thoroughly enjoyable beer, Liberty Ale speaks to the patriot in all of us. How’s that for obnoxious prose?

From the bottle: “San Francisco’s famous Liberty Ale was first brewed on the 18th of April, 1975 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Paul Revere’s historic ride. It is virtually handmade by the brewers of Anchor Steam Beer in one of the smallest and most traditional breweries in the world. Liberty Ale is made with the finest barley malt, fresh, whole hops, top fermenting yeast, pure water and the simple, natural methods which reflect our exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing. It is ‘dry hopped,’ a classic ale tradition, and slowly completes its fermentation in sealed vats in our cellars. This unique process creates Liberty Ale’s distinctive bouquet and uncommonly delicate, entirely natural carbonation.”

ABV: 6.0%

(3/4/2010)

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