Back East is located in Bloomfield, CT just north of the capital city of Hartford. Bloomfield is also the home of the Thomas Hooker Brewery whose beers have been reviewed here in the past. So Bloomfield certainly can lay claim to being the center of Connecticut's craft brew industry. I'm sure other towns will debate that, but Bloomfield has an argument to make.
I have enjoyed some of the brews from Back East at local establishments but believe this is the first time I've ever purchased one of their beers in a store for home consumption. As you can tell the Back East Ale has a copper tone. The copper color was evident immediately as the beer was poured from the can into the glass.
When held to the nose subtle floral and citrus scents were noticed. Nothing overpowering, but present nonetheless.
The first impression when tasting the beer was of malt. There was a slight sweetness and an indication of what struck me as a solid malt backbone. This was followed by a slight bitterness which balanced the sweetness of the malt.
If the ale was held in the mouth for any length of time there was a slight tingly sensation which bordered on fizziness.
The overall impression was very favorable. Nothing about Back East Ale is overpowering or overwhelming. The aroma, the taste, the bitterness were all subtle. This is a tasty, well-balanced ale with good body. Back East Ale, one of the breweries year round offerings, has 5% ABV, so while on the light side for IPA fans, it is very easy to enjoy and to pour another.
I give Back East Ale 7 mugs out of 10.
I'm sure when we meet again I will have succumbed to the pumpkin or Octoberfest brews that I refused to drink while it was still summer and the sun and air were still warm. But there is definitely a nip in the air now. So bring on the fall brews!