What’s that? You’re drinking a can of Bold City Killer Whale Cream Ale? What a coincidence! So am I! Do you know the significance of cream ale, though? It’s a truly American style, like California Common (aka Steam Beer). I find myself explaining this a lot, because people just don’t know.

Cream Ale is a hybrid style combining a warm ale yeast fermentation of a light malty brew with a cold conditioning akin to a lager. In many respects this makes it similar to German Kolsch, although it is usually brewed with adjuncts like corn which the German would never think of using. The end result is technically an ale, but smooth and clean of esters like a lager. Hopping rates are generally low (but don’t have to be).

From the can label:

If you are tied to lagers, give this ale a shot. Our brew process allows for a crisp and refreshing ale with no bitter aftertaste. Come by the brewery sometime and ask Mom for the real story behind the name, KILLER WHALE!!!!

Bold City Killer Whale Cream Ale has an alcohol content of 5.5% by volume with 21 IBUs. It runs $8.99 a six-pack in cans at Total Wine in Florida. Bold City beers are not sold in Georgia, but I got a can of this lovely cream ale from my fellow comic book reading, Patriots cheering, beer loving New England expatriate Tim Mcalver.

Bold City Killer Whale Cream Ale pours to a bright golden color with a thick creamy head and a soft biscuit malt and corn grit nose. Taking a sip, the beer is smooth malty up front with a firm clean light biscuit maltiness underlined by adjunct aroma and flavor. The beer is creamy and free of esters with a balanced, but not at all bitter, finish.

A tasty example of the style, with a vibrant effervescence of bubbles rising from the bottom of the glass to the head. I enjoy the style myself, especially in warmer weather. What other kind do they have in Florida? Seems this would be perfect there.



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