Beer: Buffalo Bill's Orange Blossom Cream Ale

Brewery: Buffalo Bill's Brewery Hayward, California

Overview: Buffalo Bill's Brewery is a brewpub that has come to national distribution with its Fall seasonal Pumpkin Ale.  Buffalo Bill's has been expanding their line of fruit and herb spiced beers and recently introduced the Orange Blossom Cream Ale, a traditional American Cream Ale, but with the additions of honey, orange peel, and extract of orange blossom.

Aroma: Strong tart citrus overtones, some light malt sweetness just underneath.  Orange blossom most noticeable, but hints of berry and other fruits blend with it.  Light honey scent may be noticed after tasting and getting some fatigue from the blossom flavor.

Appearance:Clear, straw gold, with quickly dissipating head of large bubbles.  No lasting foam.

Flavor: Light, floral initial flavor, with light body and high carbonation in the mouthfeel.  Some bitter orange flavor, mild spice.  Floral notes of the orange blossom tend to overwhelm any actual fruit flavors.  Notes of leaf cuttings and other greenery.  Very fresh flavor.

Overall Impression: This is a light and easy drinking beer that is definitely best suited for spring or early summer.  However, this is most likely not going to become a staple for me.  I do find the drink refreshing, but the heavy orange blossom flavor does get to be a little overwhelming and even fatigues the palate after half a beer or so.  It does tend to mellow after the first, and perhaps it was my expectation of more citrus and less citrus blossom that needed adjustment.  Still, while this is a very interesting blend and seasonal, other than a quick lawnmower beer, I will most likely set this one aside and wait for Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ales in the fall.

Vitals:
Style Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer
Price $7.99/six-pack
Found In Chain Import Store
Alcohol Content 5.2% by volume
Availability Spring/Summer Seasonal
Bitterness 13 IBU

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