Narragansett Brewing Company - Light; Summer Ale

"Hi Neighbor!"  The Narrangansett Brewing Company originates in Providence, Rhode Island and has been around since 1890.  "Made On Honor, Sold On Merit."  In the 1950's 'Gansett was New England's number one beer and also a sponsor of Boston Red Sox games.  They were purchased in 1965 by Falstaff, who was later purchased by Pabst.  In 2003, they were sold to Miller and are now back in local hands, owned by Mark Hellendrung.

Light - This can says it is brewed in Rochester, New York.  Narrangansett has really been pushing to expand lately it seems, perhaps they have exceeded their capacity and are contract brewed by Genesee?  This beer pours medium to light golden with a good inch of fizzy and foamy pure white head.  It is well carbonated.  The aroma is slightly sweet, wet grain, a bit of zesty grassiness, and a touch of green apple.  The taste is light grain, a touch of classic lager flavor, but overall a tad watery.  The carbonation refreshingly stings the tongue.  This is a decent and drinkable light beer, not great, but with no major negatives.  Like many beers of this style, it is even better straight from the can.

Summer Ale - This 4.2% ABV beer pours a bright honey golden in color with an inch of thick, foamy white head that leaves medium lacing down the glass.  The aroma is fresh, bright, fruity, citrus zest and tropical fruit, but in a smooth, aromatic and honey-sweet way, not in a knock-you-over IPA way.  The taste is lightly honeyed fruit and citrus zest over a solid malt grain bed.  The finish is round and smooth yet very dry and somewhat bitter.  After the wave of bitterness, the sweet fruit lingers around again as well.  This beer far exceeded my expectations.  This is a damn fine summer ale and a damn fine beer all around.  The distribution of Narragansett is limited, but, if you can get your hands on this, try it now.
http://www.narragansettbeer.com/