I got to spend my work day in another country today and be home in time for supper. Not a bad Friday on a loverly spring day. And what better for a spring day than summer ale. I picked up a 12 of Sam Adam's Summer Ale at the Watertown Hannaford for 13 bucks which, when the Canadian customs duties and taxes and mark-ups and other taxes and stuff were added, still worked out to less than 3/4s the cost of beer in Canada.

But when I checked the label (after checking the bottle...no, this is an N26 but thanks for the heads up, Lew) I remembered that I had been quite hard on Sam's summer seasonal back in 2005 and this looks a lot like it - except it's not Sam Adams White with Lemon and Grains of Paradise but Sam Adams Summer with Lemon and Grains of Paradise. Hmmm.

This one pours a slightly clouded orange-amber with a fine white clinging lace and foam. The nose is sour lemon yogurt, the good sort. In the mouth it's a bright lemon and herbal brew with pale ale graininess over cream from the yeast and malt. Great balancing twiggy bitterness right where you want it, too. Definitely not kraphtt. Like their Scotch Ale this is craft and at $12.99 a 12-pack also great value. Gotta go - I'm having another. BAers are on board.