Smooth Sail Summer Ale is an American Wheat Ale that’s brewed by Heavy Seas Beer, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a wheat beer glass from a 12 oz. can.
Packaging art for the Smooth Sail Summer Ale by Heavy Seas Beer
What You Need to Know
The Smooth Sail Summer Ale utilizes a neutral strain of “wheat” yeast that produces a clean tasting beer that’s delicate on the palate. The hops are introduced late in the boil to impart a crisp flavor dimension. Finally, dried orange and lemon peel were added to provide a fruity, citrus aroma. Sounds good, right? So how was it? Let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The Wheat Ale pours a crystal-clear pale gold and is topped by a thick, dense and puffy cap of off-white foam that shows fair retention. The head’s reduction leaves a mottled soapy layer atop the ale.
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Aroma
The Smooth Sail has an aroma that’s sweet with a scent of wheat bread and honey.
Flavor
Wheat bread and a light citrus lead the palate to a mild hopping of orange citrus and lemon peel. There are also hints of grassy noble hops as well. A mellow sweetness of honey rounds out the finish.
Label art for the Smooth Sail Summer Ale by Heavy Seas Beer
Mouthfeel
The feel of the Smooth Sail is soft and smooth with a crisp, dry finish. It has a medium body with matching carbonation.
Overall
The head retention for the Smooth Sail isn’t as long-lasting as it could, be but otherwise, its appearance is fine. The aroma is strong and appealing and its palate isn’t overdone and lovely. Its light citrus flavor pairs well with the malt base of wheat bread and honey. And although this brew could use a bit more carbonation, it’s still quite easy to tilt back. Overall, the Smooth Sail Summer Ale is a solid session brew and a good beer to enjoy during the warmest time of year.
Recommended Pairings
Heavy Seas recommends grilled white fish, citrus, wild rice, and barbecue as food pairings with their Smooth Sail Summer Ale.
