Tonight while out shopping, the Mrs. (my
Beloved Barbara) and I found ourselves at the local Sherlock’s liquor store,
she in want of a small bottle of Grand Marnier and I, well, as usual in want
of beer. Lucky for me I spied a few Sea Dog selections stacked next to the
Shipyard beers.
Of course, that was no coincidence, since Sea Dog is really no more an
independent concern, having been absorbed into the Shipyard fleet. But
that’s fine by me, because the beers do not seem to have suffered for it,
and here I am enjoying them deep in the heart of Dixie.
When I lived in New England, I enjoyed Sea Dog brews on a regular basis. I
loved their refreshing fruit beers in summer (yes, we do have that up
north), especially the Blue Paw Wheat. A raspberry laced wheat ale was
something I had not come across, however.
Sea Dog says this beer is made with the essence of raspberries (juice
perhaps?), rather than whole fruit. Alcohol content is average at 4.5% by
volume.
Sea Dog Raspberry Wheat Ale pours to a pale golden color with a very
lively and spritzy head formation that forms quite quickly and then suddenly
dissipates with the same degree of alacrity. The nose hints at buttered
toast and raspberry jam, and is really rather enticing.
The first sip yields a delicate touch of biscuity malt and tart wheat,
nicely accented by a gentle Ringwood yeast buttery character and of course
raspberry fruit. The raspberry is really reminiscent of fresh berry
preserve, though it isn’t overpowering or cloying.
The beer finishes slightly tart with a gentle suggestion of the fruit, and
is not at all sweet; nor is it bitter. Interestingly enough, the biscuity,
slightly toasty malt along with the diacetyl-butter flavors and fruit really
call to mind a large slice of toast slathered with raspberry jam.
That thought is as welcome on a summer morning as a glass of this beer is on
a summer afternoon or evening, and the light refreshing body makes it a
perfect warm weather quencher.
It’s a perfect match with a number of dishes; we enjoyed it with a
rosemary-parmesan crusted pork tenderloin, and the crisp fruity beer
complemented the delicate pork and zesty spice flavors wonderfully. I could
see this beer pairing nicely with a garden salad garnished with walnuts and
drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette dressing quite nicely, too.
I enjoy the refreshing traits and the subtlety here.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft