Narragansett Together At Last - Review Recap

Over the last year of Musings on Beer I've reviewed all of the beers offered by new (old) up and comer Narragansett Brewing Company. After collecting all of the seasonals and saving one tallboy each, I'm finally able to show them all together in their matching glory and think back at all of the reviews I've done.

Originally established in 1890 Narragansett had a good run, over 90 years, of brewing and success in the New England market. Unfortunately, with the advent and subsequent domination of the mega-producers Narragansett Brewery was shuttered and the once popular (sponsor of the Boston Red Sox) Narragansett lager was no more. This is a fate shared by many of the once dominant brands, many of which have been resurrected by Stroh Brewing Company, later bought by Pabst Brewing Company (e.g. Schaefer, Schlitz, and Pabst itself). While the brands exist they exist more in a state of IP holding, produced only through contract brew.

Narragansett's story is similar, yet unique from many of the brands of yester-year. In 2005 the Narragansett brand was purchased and resurrected by one Mark Hellendrung. While each of the beers is contract brewed, the dream is to bring the brand to prominence in the New England market and earn enough to re-open an official Narragansett Brewery. Well-known Genesee Brewing Company of Rochester, NY currently brews the Lager and Light varieties while the limited run seasonals are brewed in Providence, RI and Pawcatuck, CT.

While I wouldn't label any of the brews 'World Class' each stands apart from the competition in their respective groups. The Lager and Light versions stack up favorably to other American Adjunct Lagers and similar Macrobrews. What's more, it is fairly rare for American macro producers to release a series of seasonal ales and lagers. It is even rarer for the beers to come out well-crafted and delicious. To cap it all off, my appreciation for Narragansett, the brand, the beers, and the plan is the storied past and the sheer affordability. Cheaper than most comparable offerings from macros and craft producers these beers are stand outs in their iconic can designs.


Check the individual reviews below for more information:
Narragansett Lager
Narragansett Light
Narragansett Bock (Spring Seasonal)
Narragansett Summer Ale (Summer Seasonal)
Narragansett Fest Lager (Fall Seasonal)
Narragansett Porter (Winter Seasonal)

Yuengling - Bock Beer

Donated By: Shane Angus
Serving Type: 12 oz. bottle, poured into a fluted glass

This relatively obscure seasonal offering from Pennsylvania's famous Yuengling pours a deep brownish and tawny amber body with a perpetual red glow. The healthy light tan head has a flat brown edge. The lightly creamy foam produces a light, thin lacing. Huge malts on the nose with the classic Yuengling Traditional Lager malt detectable. Considerable toastiness and caramel notes define the aroma.

The carbonation is crisp and vibrant. Earthy toasted malts are exuded with a damp wood-like component. Tinge from the carbonation and a lightly bitter and dusty hopping keeps the bold malts in check. This is a very drinkable and competent Bock seasonal. This is a beer all Yuengling fans should keep an eye out for.

Final Verdict: B

Sierra Nevada - Glissade Golden Bock

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits
Serving Type: 12 oz. bottle, poured into a flute glass

Just days after Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early Spring, following a long, stout- and porter-filled Winter, I found Glissade, Sierra Nevada's Spring seasonal on the shelf. This helles bock pours a golden straw with a mild orange glow. There's moderate active carbonation and a thin, bubbly, white head of foam. The head is light on retention and the lacing matches. The nose is lagery with fresh grassy malts, a slight must, and very feint hops. Considering the impressive hop bill, I was expecting a bit more on the aromatic side.

The dry bitter hops are big up front, while white grape juice seems to dominate the mid-palate quite well. Again, the fresh grassiness makes an appearance, giving this beer exactly the character I'm looking for in early Spring beer drinking. The finish is fairly dry with a slight tartness. Overall the beer is quite clean and highly crisp. After the strong and hefty beers of the Winter, this is a much appreciated taste of the upcoming season.

A few days after trying this beer from the bottle I was treated to two pints of it on draft at the Arch Street Tavern in Hartford. The hops really made a showing from the tap. It was a great way to round out the night and a reprieve from the $6 pitchers of Natural Light.

Final Verdict: B+*

* - Might go as far as an A- from the tap.