Hanami Ale (Smuttynose Brewing Company)

Sushi, lucky cat thing, Mt. Fuji and some cherry blossoms, not many other beers have a logo like this one! Hanami ale is definitely one of the more unique offerings from Smuttynose. 

According to the Smutty site, Hanami "our spring seasonal, is inspired by the ancient Japanese tradition of hanami- cherry blossom viewing - when people throughout Japan gather in parks to contemplate the luminous, ethereal sakura blossoms, while consuming copious amounts of food and beer in a joyous, nationwide picnic." So there you go!

Pours a reddish amber color, much darker than expected. The head is a very faint pink hue with very small bubbles. Their seems to be quite a bit of carbonation with this one as well. 

Smell is not of cherries. Its actually a very malty smelling beer with a very slight and subtle sourness. Its bready and sweet and quite appealing.

Taste is very light with a definite, but not strong, cherry tartness in the finish. I can't help but think that this beer would be a great option for the ladies (not all ladies of course, just the ladies who like SA Cherry Wheat, Magic Hat #9, Ephemere etc...). Its light in taste and on the tongue with a higher carbonation and some fruit sweetness. It is, however, in no way cloying in my opinion. Its very drinkable and worth a shot just to say you've had it and because its a unique brew.

BEER FACTS

Name: Hanami Ale

Style: Fruit Ale

Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Company

Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA

Container: 12 oz. bottle

Malts: Pilsener, Carahell, Aromatic & Carafa

Hops: Styrian Golding & Sterling

ABV: 5.7%

IBUs: ?