Harpoon Summer Beer

I know it's almost October, but I couldn't resist trying this summer beer when I saw the price.  One thing about being a middle class family man is that you are constantly on a budget.  This can at times hinder the decision making when it comes to the things you enjoy...How many rounds of golf can I play each month?  How many times can we eat out? etc...Same goes for beer drinkers.  Yes I can grab a great beer for $10.00 a six pack, but then I may only be able to grab that six pack for the weekend; so when I see a potential great beer or one that I already know is great, on sale, I have to jump on the deal.  For this week, my one new beer is Harpoon Summer Beer.  Usually priced at $14.00 for a twelve pack $30.00 and up for a case, my price was $6.99 for a twelve pack (cans).

That's right, you read it correctly, I said CANS.  I know there may be a fopaux in regards to canned beer among beer snobs alike, but this is not your typical Coors Light can with blue mountains.  Cans seemed to have made a come back since about 2010 and I finally jumped on board this year.  Living in an area where you can drink on the beach, but you can't bring bottles, one must adapt.  At first your choices seem limited, a Stella Artois or a Boddington is what I would've recommend before expanding my horizons.  While on vacation in early August I read an article in Outside Magazine by Scott Yorko, Top 10 Canned Beers of 2012.  Excellent article that really opened my eyes to the possibility of not having to suffer through the same old' same old when it came to canned beers.  Due to that article alone canned Sierra Nevada Pale Ale became my beer of choice all summer long, as well as the Sierra Nevada Torpedo.  To be honest sometimes there's just nothing like a canned beer on a hot summer day.

Continuing on my journey back to the occasional canned beer when I saw the twelve pack of the canned Harpoon Summer Beer, coupled with the price, it was a no brainer.  I've always been impressed with Harpoon's products, you can note that their IPA is 9th in  my top ten list, so I assumed I was getting a great brew.  My assumptions every once in a while come true and that is the case here.

I cracked the can and some head flowed onto the top of the can which reminded me that I may want to turn the refrigerator temp. up.   The color is light, but not like a "light beer", it has some texture to it.  There is a slight smell of spices to it, with just a hint of lemon.  It has a great flavor, very crisp and refreshing (could be because it's 90 degrees outside today...again), but I have to say I love the lightness, it just tastes like a warm day.  Excellent beer that I would recommend on any spring or summer day, this could be an everyday kind of beer that would keep any beer drinker very happy.  If you are a Kolsch style beer drinker I would highly suggest giving this beer a shot, to add a comparison it reminds me of Stoudt's Karnival Kolsch.  Harpoon describes it best on the can, "...golden, light bodied, crisp. Perfect for summer."  I can't describe it any better then they already did.

Questions:  Does it stand a chance to crack the top ten?  Great beer but unfortunately no, top fifteen or so, absolutely.  Was it worth the price? Duh, for what I paid for it, it was a steal.  Is it worth the usual everyday price? Definitely, I would spend the asking price on this beer with no hesitation or regret.

My rating:  I give Harpoon Summer Beer a solid 3.9 out of 5.  For more information check out: www.harpoonbrewery.com and if your interested in revisiting good canned beers check out http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/food-and-drink/Shift-Pale-Lager.html by Scott Yorko.

As written on the Harpoon can, "Lover Beer.  Love Life."