Brews and Blues Beer and Smokin’ Blues

19Jul/090

Copperhead Ale

Fordham Copperhead Ale

Today's sampling is Fordham Brewing Company's Copperhead Ale.  When I saw this beer on the shelf, I decided to give it a try simply because I hadn't heard of the brewery before.  Copperhead Ale is made in the style of the German Altbier.  It poured with a rich copper color and a short head that subsided rather quickly.  The beer has a very sweet and smooth flavor created by the use of caramel malts in the brewing process.  The 30 IBU rating boasted by this beer is quite subdued and the claim of balance leans heavily towards the malty side.  It also rings in at 4.7% ABV. 

The German Altbier is a German style brown ale traditionally.  The "Alt" literally translates to "old" and these beers are traditionally aged for longer periods of time before serving.