As much as I like trying beer, I don’t like drinking too much of it. Drinking too much either means an early bedtime or a nasty headache without even ever feeling buzzed. One solution I have for trying a few different beers but limiting the amount of quantity is simply sharing them. Whether it is splitting a beer with a friend or having a beer sample party, it’s a good way to try a few and not get all banged up.
In Plymouth, the Thanksgiving parade is a highlight of the year. Given my downtown location, often family and friends will drop by to visit and see the parade. As a celebratory occasion, alcohol is often on the menu. This year, using my beer flight board that my buddy Hutch made for me, we split five beers.
Mayflower’s Thanksgiving Ale
Instead of a specialty Christmas beer, Mayflower Brewing Company releases its Thanksgiving Ale annually. It’s a strong ale, which is a variety I often do not seek out. For some reason though, I always need to get myself some Thanksgiving Ale each year. The taste is on the sweeter, maltier side and is perfect for a celebration. It was a hit with each guest.
Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine
A true classic, the Sip of Sunshine IPA from Lawson’s Finest Liquids satisfies most palettes. Not too juicy, not too bitter, it’s in that sweet spot. With the proliferation of IPAs, the Sip of Sunshine is a tried and true beer. Another hit with the group, some of us were familiar with the beer; others were not. Even non-IPA drinkers enjoyed the citrusy and hoppy undertones of this beer.
Shovel Town’s Morse
Morse is a Cranberry Sour. Sour beers are a funny thing. I’m the rare person that enjoys a sour without being over the moon about them. I feel that most folks are either die-hard sour fans or will not touch the stuff. For this round, a few in our party would not even fathom trying a sour beer! They opted for a hard seltzer instead. This sour ale is perfectly balanced. Even though it’s made with cranberries, it’s not overly sour. At the same time, the taste shines through. For those that did try it, it was well-received.
Wissahickon’s Hail Mary
Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Brewing Company has a diverse selection of beers. The Hail Mary is their classic IPA. It’s a well-rounded beer with a good amount of hops without being over the top. It’s not a hop bomb but instead an easy-drinking hoppy beer. The overall reaction was that this was a very serviceable IPA. Maybe not a standout but one that could be enjoyed in any situation.
Bass Ale
Remember when a Bass or its brethren were the best beers that could be found at the packie? That’s certainly not the case anymore, but to be honest this beer holds up. Especially as a fifth beer, it does the trick. It has enough taste and brings to mind a simpler time.
This beer sample was a great time. We were able to sample five beers without feeling the ill effects. From small craft breweries such as Wissahickon and Shovel Town to the InBev owned Bass, our beer sample party touched all the bases.
