Did you ever have a beer that was just pure evil? The one beer that does you in every time you drink it? I have! The most evil beer in the world for me is Miller Lite. I always swore that I would never review or write about beers like Miller Lite, Coors Lite or Bud Lite whether it be in my newspaper column or on this blog. In my mind these are not real beers. They are simply alcohol infused soda that try to taste like beer. They lack in appearance, aroma and definitely taste. However, even though they are sad imitations of beer, they are very popular among the masses especially here in the Northeastern part of Pennsylvania.Two Saturday's ago, I attended a clam bake for the league that I bowl in. Every year it is a fun event with lots of games, prizes, food and Miller Lite. Yes, I said Miller Lite! Also every year I swear that I won't drink it, but end up doing so because no other beer is available and the PLCB, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board prohibits people from bringing booze in to the pavilion per the American Legions liquor license. Well, this year was no different, I broke my promise to myself and I drank several glasses of Miller Lite. It was a big mistake!
Why was it a big mistake? Miller Lite is just plain evil. It is the Nosbeeratu of beers. It seems like it may be OK but then it sucks you dry the next day. It is Vambeer, draining all the life from your body one sip at a time. Its a Succbeerus, an Inbeerus, it's the Devil's Concbeerbine! Yes, it is pure evil, the devil incarnate. Every time I drink Miller Lite I spend the next three days on the hopper as it runs through my system like electricity running through a power line. It's fast and furious and my bout with the pure evil was lost once again. I became like the undead for three solid days. Enough of this talk of evil beer. Too much talk may invite it in to take your intestinal track to the lower bowels of hell. Several weekends ago, I did have a chance to drink a nice beer from the Western part of Pennsylvania and the city of Erie. During the summer months, Mrs. Meister, my sister-in-law Amy, who by the way is also a lover of good beers, sit on our patio one or two days a week to enjoy the weather and a grog or two or three. On this particular day, I had picked up a 12 pack of Bayfront Blonde which is brewed by Erie Brewing Company. Here is my take...
THE REVIEW
Bayfront Blonde
Erie Brewing Company, Erie, Pa / 4.2% ABV
Sight: This beer had a nice cloudy yellow to golden look with a pure white head that poured about 1/4 inch thick which reminded me of a German Wit beer It had just the right carbonation which you can see as the beer settles in your glass.
Aroma: Up front you get bready malts followed by hints of citrus (lemon and orange) and ending with a nice hit of honey. The aromas were all distinct and rose in just this order with every sniff. A complex but well placed aroma.
Taste: With my first sip I got the malty breads right up front. Like the aroma, the taste followed suit with citrus backnotes and ending with a really nice shot of honey. Not super complicated, but well put together.
Pairing: I would pair up a Bayfront Blonde with a dozen clams, shrimp or some scallops. It would also be good with most fish especially smoked trout or a Cajun catfish. This beer would also be good with a tacos on your Taco Tuesday if you have one.
There was nothing complex with the Bayfront Blonde, just a nice smooth beer that you can enjoy all day because of its good taste and an ABV of just 4.2%. This would be a great beer to drink at a clam bake instead of that evil Miller Lite. Check out Erie Brewing Companies beers at www.eriebrewingco.com
A side note, thank you to Nimble Hill Brewing Co. for the email below.
Thank you for the very nice review you gave on our beers! We also thank you for taking the time to come to our Tasting Room/Growler Den.
You can always comment on my reviews here on The Beer Meister or send an email to thebeermeister359@gmail.com. All responses are welcome.
