Usually when it comes time to get the new beer for review, I generally have an idea of what beer to get or at the very least the style or brewery. This week I walked into Cranbury Buy Rite with no preconceived notions as to what I wanted. I went in looking to “find” something. I first went over to the taps. While all good beers, nothing was jumping out at me as something I wanted to review so off to the bottles I went. While walking around, Kristian came over, we casually started talking and then I asked the question “What are your new bottles?” We were off and around the store faster then you can say Rumple..whateveritis. I had my bounty in hand when we were walking back and he stopped dead and said “Oh man have you had this yet?” one of my favorite phrases. He picked up the Ellicotville Mow Master, brewed and bottled by Southern Tier and sold me on it.
I poured the Ultra Pale Ale into my glass and the first thought that I had was “fizzy yellow water”. The color reminds me of the Macro beer I try to stay away from. The smell however was a different story. There was a hoppy freshness and almost tangerine sweetness to it. The flavor was very muted and there was nothing jumping out at me, yet strangely I kept wanting to go back. The hops produce a nice citrusy flavor resulting in a light and crisp beer sip after sip. There was a time not too long ago, I could see myself not enjoying this Ellicotville offering. It simply tastes and smells of beer. I can see this beer going very well on a lawn tractor as depicted on the label as it is very thirst quenching. I am a fan of this beer in the same way that most are fans of professional basketball, casual and fleeting.
Yup Kristian got me to try it the same way. It’s what makes cranbury buyrite so special
I also love that they will tell you I haven’t had this yet but have heard good things, they are honest about their recommendations.