Brrr

I've been wanting to try this one for quite some time. Finally today, I pulled one out of the Advent Beer Calendar that my wife made me (Thank you, Sandy). 

Beautiful appearance: Warm copper-red color, followed by the kind of beautiful lacing too few of us can fully appreciate.

The aroma of fresh hops is very inviting.

The strong hop flavors are especially interesting, predominately Grapefruit.

The caramel flavors of the malt are lip smacking good.

Widmer Brothers, who not too long ago disappointed me greatly by discontinuing the Drifter Pale Ale, impress me anew this evening with this experience.

Alchemy Ale

On another visit to Old Chicago, I asked for a Widmer Brothers Drifter Pale Ale, because I like it and it seemed like just the thing for the day. The obliging waitress took my order and went away to fulfill it quickly. She returned to disappoint me, saying that she learned that Widmer Brothers no longer make it, but they have what’s called Alchemy Ale instead.

Now I have no complaints about Alchemy Ale. It’s top-notch. But it does not have the uniquely interesting hop flavors I remembered in Drifter.

Here is an example of a downside to the booming craft beer market. Brewers are constantly changing their offerings, marketing to the guy who wants to try something new. If I had may say, I’d tell an outfit like Widmer Brothers this: “Strive for perfection in the beer you produce. Go ahead and make the small changes to recipe and procedure, improving from one batch to the next. But then when you reach perfection, by all means, STOP RIGHT THERE!”

Widmer Brothers Drifter Pale Ale

Today is, I believe, the first time I’ve tried anything from Widmer Brothers in Portland.  I really enjoyed their Drifter Pale Ale – so much so in fact, that as I single-mindedly drank a pint, I completely forgot to take a picture. 

I hope the brothers won't mind too much if I borrow this publicity shot from their website.

Old Chicago lists this as #992 on the World Beer Tour.  Often one will taste and smell hints of citrus in a pale ale.  My waiter was spot on when he introduced this as having a tangerine peel flavor.