Style: American Blonde AleI’m generally ambivalent about Summer Ales. Although they are light in body and easy to drink, for the most part they tend to be a bit bland. Refreshing and great for hot weather, yes. Memorable, no.
Victory’s Summer Love Ale, however, nails it. It of course hits all the prerequisites mentioned above, but this one has some punch. It pours a faint straw color, typical for the style. It has a smooth entry, and a very grainy mid-palate, almost like liquid bread. Love that.
But what makes this summer beer stand out among most others is the finish, with a very assertive hop bite at the end. It whisks the palate clean and ends bone-dry, almost snapping to a close. It may even be too sharp of a close for some, but I love it. It leaves the palate ready for that next sip, preferably on the patio with a good book.
BTW, for you Giants fans, it’s on tap at Public House right now according to their website. I can’t imagine a better beer for a summer day at the park.