Saturday, November 24, 2012

Review: Southern Tier Harvest Special Ale

Southern Tier Harvest Special Ale
Extra Special Bitter (ESB)
ABV: 6.7%
12 oz bottle
Served in Dogfish Head Signature Glass
Reviewed on 9/3/12 

This ale pours a nice amber color with a thin white head that quickly dissipates.  Mild carbonation and mild lacing present.  Not as lively as you might expect for a recently released, fresh beer.

Nose has malt, hops, citrus, hints of nutmeg and pumpkin, and a slight floral smell.  Taste reveals a bit more than the smell, with malt, hops, nutmeg, grapefruit, citrus, floral and even pumpkin notes coming with a hint of cinnamon.

Mouthfeel has some earthiness yet is smooth, slightly dry, and slightly bitter.  It presents a decent balance of flavors.  Slightly thin on the back end.

Overall, this has a good mix of decently balanced flavors that come together for a good autumn taste.  Hints of a pumpkin ale, and also suggests an IPA and even a brown ale.  Interesting profile, even if it might be a bit all over the place.  For me, it's not quite there but it's close.

Score: 88

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