Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve posted an actual beer review. (smacks forehead) Sorry about that. Back to doing what I do best (well, I’m at least good at the drinking part, if not the reviewing), I picked up a six pack of Harpoon’s Hibernian Style Ale, their spring seasonal, at the beer store a few weeks ago. In need of a break from the Belgians I’ve been having lately, and looking for something a little less winter-specific (it was a warm week up on Maine), my eye was caught by the Irish colors of the bottle, so it made the trip to the cash register with me.
This red ale pours a copper color. It features a finger or two of off-white head that fades quickly with just a little lacing. The nose has a bit of bready sweetness to it; perhaps a hint of raisin as well. There is very little hopping evident, and I do not have particularly high hopes for the flavor here. As expected, the taste was fairly sweet with some dark fruits in there too. Unexpectedly, the hops do show up on the tongue as well, though not enough for my tastes. The finish is fairly crisp and maybe a tough metallic (this is an ale, after all). Light carbonation and a thin mouth feel make this beer go down pretty easily. It’s not a bad beer—it’s just not a great beer either.
My Rating:
