Tap/Bottle: Bottle

Rule of Citrus: None

As summer is coming to a close I’m trying to squeeze in a few more summer beers before the weather gets cold. This week we have the Apricot Wheat Ale from Sea Dog Brewing Company. These guys are known for the Blueberry Wheat Ale, and if you like that, chances are you’ll enjoy the Apricot Wheat.

Apricots come up a lot in beer: Unibroue, Magic Hat’s #9, they add something distinct to the flavor of beer. If anything, the apricot seems to help smooth out the bitter flavors and add a little bit of sweet to the mix- fruit isn’t always a terrible thing in beer.

Picking up a six, I decided to pair this ale with some steak tips that I had purchased from a local butcher. Grilled to perfection, I sat down to begin my taste experiment. Opening the bottle of Apricot Wheat I smelled all the apricots and hoped it wouldn’t turn out to be like Summer Shandy’s faux lemon-scent. Instead I was treated to a delicious flavor of apricots, not overpowering at all mind you, and a good beer taste. The steak tips were tangy, and the beer really helped to level out the tastes.

I have yet to try Sea Dog’s IPA or other traditional beer varieties, I haven’t gotten around to them yet, but I will. I will say that the fruit beers they put out have not disappointed me yet. If you want a beer with real fruit flavor and not just a smell, I do recommend Sea Dog. Now if only someone would figure out a way to create mango chutney flavored ale, then I’d be excited.