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The Speakeasy is Open for Business ~ Prohibition AleOct 30 '04 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line This ale is pretty much balanced between a good caramel malt and citrus like hop finish. A good semi-complex brew from SF's Speakeasy brewery.
I came across this 12oz bottle of Speakeasy Prohibition Ale when I was back up in DC the past weekend. The brown bottle with little beady eyes looked at me and I was forced to investigate. I picked the bottle up and saw images of Dick Tracy-like men and women on the front by the name PROHIBITION and the brewer’s name Speakeasy Ales and Lagers of San Francisco, CA. I had to give it a try. EDUCATION TIME The 18th Amendment (January 16, 1919) banned the sale of alcoholic beverages over the strength of 0.5% ABV. According to Richard Hamm, an assistant professor of history at the University of New York, "The new Christians [of the 19th Century] saw liquor as an evil influence that threatened to weaken society by destroying individuals." World War I assisted the prohibition cause by prompting Congress to ban the production and selling of "spirits and malt beverages" on food conservation grounds. While drinking deceased among the rural folk, the liquor business among the middle to upper class created a 2 billion dollar business for smugglers in 1924 alone. The Depression brought prohibition to its knees because the alcohol industry could provide more jobs and perhaps a way to forget about the trouble times. December 5, 1933 ended Prohibition by the ratification of the 21st amendment. ***BEER TIME*** THE POUR I poured the Prohibition Ale into a Mason Jar (because it makes me think of illegal distillers) for consumption. The beer poured a light brown/amber color with a slight white head. THE NOSE There was a balance of malt and hops, American Styled. A second nose would lead me to lean on the side of hops, however, as the grassy smell overcame the malt. Citrus more than anything. THE TASTE The 6.1%ABV beer was pleasantly complex with a caramel malt sweetness that is overcome by the balance of the hops. The bitter finish does not present itself until well after your sip/gulp/chug of beer. It is actually quite a transition from sweet to dry over several seconds. Balanced as the brewer says? No, the hops still wins the battle without a doubt. The hoppy dryness is mostly a lemon citrus or grapefruit type sensation. THE AFTERTASTE The hop dryness resides at the back of your mouth for quite some time. I was drinking this while I watched football in the afternoon, so any meal would definitely cover the aftertaste quickly. The beer is not heavy at all and has mild carbonation. I drank the brew around 55 degrees F, so I got a lot more aroma and flavor. I could see a lot of guys wanting this beer ice cold with steaks and chips. I believe that would make a good match. I give this 4 Stars **** This is a good beer for someone that enjoys a good, balanced ale. Those of you luck enough to reside close to the brewery in SF, you can get it by the Prohibition Jug or Keg ($50). Check out www.goodbeer.com  |
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