Belfast Bay Lobster Ale
May 15 '01
The Bottom Line A delicious red ale with loads of chewy caramel malt, a touch of fruit and butter, and a grassy hop finish.
Ask most people what the first thing is that pops into their head when they hear the word “Maine”, and most likely they’ll reply, “lobster”. That’s not surprising, since Maine is known the world over for having some of the sweetest, tastiest, most succulent lobsters in the world swimming off it’s shores. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you know that Maine is famous for something other than lobster: beer.
The first of Maine’s microbrewers, D.L. Geary from Portland, has a pale ale that features a lobster on the label in keeping with Maine’s reputation ala lobsters. Belfast Bay brewing company has taken the concept one step further with their Lobster Ale, which is a red ale (lobsters are red too, at least when you cook them, hence another connection). The company is located in the tiny town of Belfast located on scenic US Route One and has operated a combination brewery/restaurant/brewpub since 1996. Their beers are produced in a small 7-barrel brewhouse. Thirty flavors of ice cream are offered, including (I’m serious folks) lobster.
I can assure you that no lobsters were harmed in the production of this beer, though the idea of a beer brewed with lobster does intrigue me. Some oyster stouts include that shellfish in the brew, so why not lobsters in a beer? Perhaps some day we’ll see one.
Belfast Bay Lobster Ale is deep ruby in color with a generous head formation and a rich, malty nose. The palate has a delicious, candyish crystal malt flavor accentuated nicely with a touch of fruit. A hint of buttery diacetyl calls forth images of a lobster tail drenched in melted butter. The finish is balanced with a touch of grassy, herbal hops that add just a touch of bitterness. This is a spectacular beer that I would give 4 stars to, perhaps 5. My bottle was very fresh, with a recommended “Best By” date of September of 2001. Enjoy it with red meats if you will, tonight I’m savoring a bottle with a boiled Rhode Island lobster, baked potato, and corn on the cob.
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