Anderson Valley Poleeko Gold Pale Ale

Despite having visited the Mendocino coast many times, I’m always pressed to try all the great breweries in the area.  Unfortunately, a full flight at North Coast brewing is enough to take a curious drinker out of the running for the day (only unfortunate in that it limits one’s ability to carry onward), so I haven’t had the opportunity to swing by the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.  That said, my parents brought up a bottle of Anderson Valley Poleeko Gold Pale Ale for me to taste while I plan my next trip south.

Anderson Valley Poleeko Gold Pale Ale settled into the glass with barely visible carbonation trails streaming through the hazy, tawny ale and feeding its big, clumpy white head.  Floral notes took center-stage in the nose, backed by dry barley.

Anderson Valley Poleeko Gold Pale Ale opened with a gripping hop front that quickly (and gracefully) mellowed into a dry, grainy malt center.  The malt body was supported by enough flowery hops to never imply anything but a Northwest Pale, and the ale ended on a lingering, bitter note. 

Anderson Valley Poleeko Gold Pale Ale is a strong beer, with its slightly off-beat hop additions and light and dry taste making it a strong contender for a session beer.  

Anderson Valley Summer Solstice Cream Ale

Anderson Valley Summer Solstice Cream Ale, a summer seasonal offering from Anderson Valley Brewing Co., poured a golden hue into the glass with heavy carbonation and a thick, frothy white head.  The nose carried through thick caramel and vanilla with a tinge of nutmeg.

Anderson Valley Summer Solstice Cream Ale opened SWEET.  Caramel and vanilla quickly coated the tongue, and a cloying sweetness immediately took over (think a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato).  The thick caramel mellows out to vanilla and a slight tartness crept in, which combined with the creaminess to evoke a “spoiled milk” reaction.  The ale faded softly and the sweetness didn’t linger for too long.

Neither light nor refreshing, Summer Solstice Cream Ale comes off like a spoiled cream soda.  Four beer drinkers at the camping trip where this was consumed passed on it… you probably should too.

Ninkasi Brewing Nuptiale Cream Ale

Ninkasi Nuptiale Cream Ale, a new offering from Ninkasi Brewing currently only available in their summer seasonal 4-pack, poured a clear, iced tea color into the glass, topped with a foamy head fed by mild carbonation.  The standard "Ninkasi Pine Hops" aroma was loud and present in the nose, only slightly tamed by a sweet caramel malt note.


Ninkasi Brewing Nuptiale Cream Ale opened light and surprisingly tangy, almost like a cream soda with off flavors.  As the ale settled, the sour "off" flavor mellowed, allowing more of the vanilla and caramel to coat the mouth with a sticky, creamy viscosity.  A slight bitterness was detectable in the fade, although the strong hop aroma never really made it to the actual taste.


I try to avoid comparisons between styles, but I feel the need to in this case- Ninkasi Nuptiale Cream Ale comes off as a more refined and richer Anderson Valley Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema.  Both have a tang that seems out of place to me, but considering the ongoing success of the AV offering, I would imagine Ninkasi will please a lot of people (just not me) with their Nuptiale Cream Ale.