Review: Dahbrew's Grilled Lemon Creme Ale

Cheers!

There is no better venue to review Dahbrew's Grilled Lemon Creme Ale than this lakeside hammock in the heart of central Minnesota on a sunny Memorial Day afternoon.

With warmer weather amongst us, the light bodied concoction of lemon infused/blended beers starts to gain a seasonal popularity. Once viewing this behavior as sacrilege to the heart and soul of beer culture, I now understand and equate the experience to be that of a modernized Hoegaarden with citrus and it's refreshing capabilities on a hot day.

Dahbrew has broken ground on this summer pastime by upping the ante with Grilled Lemon Creme Ale. The name, not to be taken lightly, is very much representative of the citrus overtones and creamy finish on this golden colored ale. 

Once opened, the grilled lemon aroma that's been yearning to escape, overwhelms the volume of the glass as it is poured. It is certain that this brew needs ample space and appropriate time to breathe and open it's bouquet. 

Dahbrew's process of grilling the lemons to manipulate the sugars is apparent as the flavor profiles are more complex than your average shanty blend. Shanties, typically resembling a molestation on rice beer by Minute Maid lemonade, are simply the unrefined version of a craft that Dahbrew has nailed in this instance. 

This ale is full bodied and complex enough to take over your thoughts as you drift away in a hammock induced daydream. In an effort to define the flavors, thoughts drift toward grill marks on yellow citrus pallets amongst fresh hops in an aromatic mash. Creme textures are constituted with a continuous layer of light head atop the surface. This continuous blanket is appearing to be characteristic for Dahbrew ales and is representative of the patient and artful craft of brewing that they take to heart.

Overall, the ever changing citrus notes in this Creme Ale are a great backdrop to a relaxing summer afternoon. Dahbrew's Grilled Lemon Creme Ale would pair nicely with a traditional turkey sandwich or chicken caesar salad due to it's laid back demeanor and ability to not overpower the conversation while also adding it's own opinion.

Cheers to summer!