Ahhhh Genesee...... As suggested by a couple brothers here, my second review in the SBRS is the often imitated, never duplicated, Genesee Cream Ale. First let's start with a little history and explain exactly what a Cream Ale is..
Summer Beer Review Series: Part 2
Beer: Genesee Cream Ale
Type: Cream Ale "Creamer"
Origin: Genesee Brewing Company, Rochester, New York
ABV: 5.1%
Price: $5.00 - 6 pack In CO (regionally much cheaper)
Rarity: 1/10
Setting/Pairing: Got home today with a 6 pack under my arm and a delivery from Tampa at my door. I decided to pair this with a TS NO. 50 fresh from the bundle, my first time for both the cigar and beer. Got the camera and went out to the patio to find a pleasant 70 degree evening.
Appearance: Poured a light yellow with a 2 finger head.
Smell: Mildy sweet aroma with some noticeable grain on the nose. Again, not overwhelming but expected for this type of beer.
Taste: This is not your typical domestic beer flavored water, this actually has some flavor. Starts with a dry malt flavor, then the carbonation adds some bite. The finish shows some slight hoppy presence.
Mouthfeel: Light texture but coated the mouth well, the finish was quite refreshing.
Drinkability: Goes down easy with little alcoholic presence. Go for it, at $12.99 a 30 pack price isn't going to stop you.
Final Comments: When I went to my shop to pick this up today I was met by my beer guy who saw the 6 pack in my cart and asked what I was doing with that as it was far different then what I usually buy. I told him I had some friends on the east coast who suggested it and asked him what he knew about it, I'm glad I asked. He said that it was the first beer he ever had which surprised me so he told me the story.. "When I was a kid in the early 70's my dad would get home from work and head to the front porch with a Genesee Cream in one hand and a cheap cigar in the other. One day when I was 9 or 10 I asked him what it tasted like and he said "you tell me" and gave me a sip. It's a memory I will never forget." That pretty much summed up this beer for me, thanks for the recommendation guys.
Rating: 3.0 out of 5. Worth a try and the trip down memory lane for some of you.
Cream ale or also referred to as a "creamer," is related to American lagers. They are generally brewed to be light and refreshing with a straw to pale golden color. Hop and malt flavour is usually subdued but some breweries give them a more assertive character. Two examples are Genesee Cream Ale and Little Kings Cream Ale (by Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing.)
While cream ales are top-fermented ales, they typically undergo an extended period of cold-conditioning or lagering after primary fermentation is complete. This reduces fruity esters and gives the beer a cleaner flavor. Some examples also have a lager yeast added for the cold-conditioning stage or are mixes of ales and lagers. Adjuncts such as maize and rice are used to lighten the body and flavor although there are all-malt examples available.
Summer Beer Review Series: Part 2
Beer: Genesee Cream Ale
Type: Cream Ale "Creamer"
Origin: Genesee Brewing Company, Rochester, New York
ABV: 5.1%
Price: $5.00 - 6 pack In CO (regionally much cheaper)
Rarity: 1/10


Setting/Pairing: Got home today with a 6 pack under my arm and a delivery from Tampa at my door. I decided to pair this with a TS NO. 50 fresh from the bundle, my first time for both the cigar and beer. Got the camera and went out to the patio to find a pleasant 70 degree evening.
Appearance: Poured a light yellow with a 2 finger head.
Smell: Mildy sweet aroma with some noticeable grain on the nose. Again, not overwhelming but expected for this type of beer.
Taste: This is not your typical domestic beer flavored water, this actually has some flavor. Starts with a dry malt flavor, then the carbonation adds some bite. The finish shows some slight hoppy presence.
Mouthfeel: Light texture but coated the mouth well, the finish was quite refreshing.
Drinkability: Goes down easy with little alcoholic presence. Go for it, at $12.99 a 30 pack price isn't going to stop you.
Final Comments: When I went to my shop to pick this up today I was met by my beer guy who saw the 6 pack in my cart and asked what I was doing with that as it was far different then what I usually buy. I told him I had some friends on the east coast who suggested it and asked him what he knew about it, I'm glad I asked. He said that it was the first beer he ever had which surprised me so he told me the story.. "When I was a kid in the early 70's my dad would get home from work and head to the front porch with a Genesee Cream in one hand and a cheap cigar in the other. One day when I was 9 or 10 I asked him what it tasted like and he said "you tell me" and gave me a sip. It's a memory I will never forget." That pretty much summed up this beer for me, thanks for the recommendation guys.
Rating: 3.0 out of 5. Worth a try and the trip down memory lane for some of you.
