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.
