Yankee Brew News Archive

Yankee Brew Review: Clamtown Ginger Honey Ale

Originally Published: 04/96

By: Kerry J. Byrne

Yankee Brew Review: Clamtown Ginger Honey Ale

Beer: Clamtown Ginger Honey Ale.

Brewer: Clamtown Brewing Company, Ipswich, Massachusetts. Brewed by 'alternating brewery' arrangement with Ould Newbury Brewing Company in Newburyport.

Appearance: Color is a rich, bright, clean deep auburn to burgundy, depending on lighting; low carbonation, low head-retention.

Aroma: Big bouquet of spicy ginger, honey and a small trace of hops. Honey is added after the boil so it maintains quite a bit of its aromatic essence.

Flavor: Many flavors compete on the tongue, though not necessarily in a complementary way. Ginger up front fills the nose and the mouth. Honey adds some depth. Medium body aided by addition of 30 pounds of honey to each five-barrel batch.

Summary: Perhaps busy describes this beer more accurately than complex. Clean, refreshing and drinkable. Hopheads may find themselves wanting for more bitterness and flavor. Great to see a style-bender compete for space on the shelves with the overwhelming number of pale ales, porters, etc., which have come to dominate the New England craft brew industry. May be a 'love it or leave it' type of beer for most people.

Reviewed by Kerry J Byrne, Yankee Brew News Staff