BBC is a fine craft brewery and I have enjoyed their brews often. Their large 22 ounce bottles of ales and porters are always a welcome sight under the Christmas tree. So when I saw these brews that were being made for and sold exclusively at a local supermarket I took advantage and grabbed a couple to try.
One of the first I tried is called Avery Point Amber. As you can tell from the picture it is a slightly cloudy light brown hue. The aroma was that of an ale but definitely muted. There were hints of malt, pine and flowers in the nose, but nothing that screamed or demanded your attention.
The same impression comes from the taste as well. It is crisp for sure and pretty well balanced. There is just a hint of bitterness.
But as with the aroma the flavors are subtle. And they do not linger but disappear pretty much along with your swallow.
This is definitely a drinkable brew. But my overall impression was that it is an ale designed not to offend or overwhelm. My thought is this line of craft brews being offered at a supermarket are targeting those who are ready to make the leap from a mass produced beer to more complex craft brews. But they want to ease them in slowly. Nothing too heavy or strong. Build up the tolerance for the real stuff if you will.
So for the beer drinker already into more complex ales, IPAs, etc. the brews such as Avery Point Amber Ale will seem too bland and mild, or perhaps just not very interesting. But they definitely have their place, think of them as "gateway drugs" for those just discovering good beer.
I give Avery Point Amber Ale 5 mugs out of 10.
And for those ready for the real thing may I suggest the following from Berkshire Brewery:
Lost Sailor IPA - reviewed here in February 2014 and I gave it 8 mugs out of 10;
other notable Berkshire brews I've enjoyed are: Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale and the Dean's Beans Coffeehouse Porter.
And both the Lost Sailor and the Steel Rail are now offered in cans as well as bottles.
Until next time, enjoy a good beer!