DreamWeaver's American Cream Ale

[steveh]

An experiment in critique for a fellow forum member and budding home-brewer. DW sent me a 22 oz. bomber-bottle of a recent home-brew example that arrived immature, and a bit shaken up. I let it settle and mature in a cool dark place and chilled it down over this past weekend for sampling.

4.6% ABV, 37 IBU, all-grain homebrew (no adjuncts).

The beer poured a hazy gold, straw color - very light, almost lemonade in color - yielding a very thick, meringue-like head that lasted through much of the drink's duration. Of note, the haziness in the color was probably due to chill-haze and some wheat being used in the recipe - the wheat also accounting for the fine head. DW - you didn't mention finings or Irish Moss in your recipe to help clear the beer, are you using anything for this purpose?

Light nose with some DMS present, being fine for the style, and spicy hops insinuating through.

Light citrus, estery flavor in initial tasting, followed by spicy bittering hops and finishing with soft toasted malts - hops linger in aftertaste and become slightly harsh as the beer warmed - though not offensive.

Crisp, clean, bubbly mouth-feel. Light bodied.

A flavorful, drinkable brew that may benefit from a little less emphasis on high bitterness in the hops. DW says he's used Northern Brewer and Willamette, with the NB having a 7.9% AA - a cascade substitution here might help mellow things out. Then again, this beer was in no way offensive, and it was great to know I could top off the glass with the rest of the bomber!

Thanks for the opportunity Dream Weaver, I think you've found a good hobby!

S.

For further info on this beer and its style:
http://www.mv.com/ipusers/slack/bjcp/styleguide03.html - scroll to the 3d entry.

[DreamWeaver]

Thanks for the review and kind words.

I realize that this recipe is borderline for a Creme Ale. I have a similar batch in he secondary that I added 5oz - 10L crystal for a touch of color and 1 more Lb of wheat malt. Probably more of an American Light Ale though I was'nt going for any certain style. I dropped the hops to about 22 IBU's. I still used my NB hops for bittering though (since I had them on hand). I usually use a 1/2 teaspoon of Irish Moss but could have forgotten it.?

Folks that have tried this beer at my home have either liked it enough to want another or expressed bitter beer face when finding out it was Homebrewed be me. :D

[steveh]

Originally posted by DreamWeaver
Thanks for the review and kind words.

My pleasure.

I realize that this recipe is borderline for a Creme Ale. I have a similar batch in he secondary that I added 5oz - 10L crystal for a touch of color and 1 more Lb of wheat malt. Probably more of an American Light Ale though I was'nt going for any certain style. I dropped the hops to about 22 IBU's. I still used my NB hops for bittering though (since I had them on hand). I usually use a 1/2 teaspoon of Irish Moss but could have forgotten it.?

Borderine, but not off the meter at all. It was (is) light and refreshing, as a good Cream Ale should be. Plus, you were able to make it in that style without the use of corn or rice adjuncts - and all grain. Not bad for a beginner. ;)

And if you want to hop it up more than is style, I was just suggesting maybe something more mellow than the NBs you have. See how the next batch compares.

Folks that have tried this beer at my home have either liked it enough to want another or expressed bitter beer face when finding out it was Homebrewed be me.

Beer xenophobia is not a good thing - there was absolutely nothing offensive about your beer and would be enjoyed by anyone who isn't stuck in an American Macro-swill rut. Homebrew does not equal bad-brew, especially in the case of your Cream Ale.

S.