So, if you’ve been following along, last night I broke into a fancy-schmancy wooden box that was sent to me by Keith’s. There was a sexy combination lock with a note that said I would get the combination later, and in the meantime I should refridgerate the box. I’m impatient, and in possesion of numerous tools including a screwdriver, so I simply took the locking hinge off. Being questionable sober last night, I decided to wait till today to let it cool and have a clear(ish) mind to give it a go.
I’ll be honest, Keith’s underwhelms me, generally speaking. That being said, their White is a decent option at many pubs that are essentially beer wastelands. And I’m aware that I’m a bit more than a bit of a beer snob. Keith’s has been the gateway for many people I know, jumping from macro to micro drinkers, so they still have my respect. If we could get them to re-brand their India Pale Ale to just Ale, I would even call myself a fan. So let’s see where we stand after this new seasonal.
Alexander Keith's Harvest Ale
From an ISB with no freshness date (mind you, this is not a retail bottle) the beer pours a clear dark reddish-brown, with a very active head that drops to about an inch that hangs around. Aroma is dark malts, a touch of wood and a bit of earthy hops. Not a bad start. Taste is hoppier then the aroma would have suggested. Biscuity malts get cut pretty quickly by a moderate earthy hop. Mouthfeel is a little on the thin side; I’d like a little more weight from the malt. But it’s quite drinkable and nice. I’m actually really impressed. Certianly, this is not a stand-out brew in the wider world of craft beer, but coming from such a large brewery I’m honestly really happy with the product. This is a beer that could open a lot of people’s minds, and I’m all for that. I know the legions of high-end snobs will be calling for my inverted crucifixion for daring to lend my voice to a Labatt product, but seriously, I adore Creemore Kellerbeir; I have no problem taking an objective sip and finding a Keith’s product that I genuinely like.
Thanks Alexander Keith’s, now let’s just work on that IPA rebrand…….
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