My apologies to Manchester Brewing Company. I promised them that we'd do a review of their beers a long time ago, but we're just getting around to it now, nearly a year later.
When I cracked this bomb open I was greeted by a rush of lagery aroma. First sip was crisp and reinforced the lager character, which confused me, because I was sure that this was an ale. Visiting MBC's site, I discovered the reason, Saaz hops. These are typically used in lagers such as Pilsner Urquell and I think Budweiser. This is something I've always wanted to try in homebrewing, an ale with lagerry characteristics. The idea is to marry the heft of an ale with the crisp thirst quenching lightness of a Czech or domestic lager. If this was their goal, MBC has succeeded. The sweetness and bitterness is also well balanced and makes it easy to chug. This is the perfect choice following a few rounds of golf or a summer afternoon of yard work. Be sure to decant into an appropriate glass first unless you don't mind the sediment; indication of an unfiltered and therefore more flavorful beer. Personally, I've paired this beer up with a good stogie and a seat on the deck watching the lightning bugs get down. Good job guys, I'm glad the first review was a positive one. If Imperial Blonde is any indication of what to expect with their other offerings, MBC has a bright future in the New England beer scene.
