I LEFT MY HEART IN BROOKLYN (Brooklyn Brewery’s Pennant Ale ’55 at Brooklyn Ale House)

My search for the best beer in New York continues….

SADLY, BROOKLYN ALE HOUSE IS NOW CLOSED.

I live in Queens which, for those who don’t know their New York geography, is a completely different borough than Brooklyn. Yet for some reason I spend more time in Brooklyn and have a much more patriotic feeling toward that borough than the one I live in. Maybe it’s because that’s where the hip restaurant scene is unfolding or maybe it’s because I work for a tour company based out of Brooklyn or maybe it’s just because the Beastie Boys told me to love it.

I felt very loyal to Brooklyn yesterday when I came out to Williamsburg for Craft Beer Week. Brooklyn Ale House is an old-style neighborhood tavern that feels like it’s been there a lot longer than 10 years. When I walked in, the entire bar was full yet nobody was sitting at any of the wooden tables. It seemed to me that everybody crowding the bar were regulars. They were mingling with each other and chatting up the hospitable bartender.

However, I was welcomed with open arms. I used my passport coupon which entitled me to a beer from Brooklyn Brewery, which is located just two blocks away. Talk about local. The other customers were intrigued and started chatting with me about the passport and NY Craft Beer Week. I think I convinced two of them to buy the passport. Where’s my commission check?

I left the group so I could fully examine my beer at one of the tables. I’ve had most of the beers from Brooklyn before and I decided to stick with the theme and order the Pennant Ale ’55. It’s truly a Brooklyn beer since it was made in honor of the Brooklyn Dodgers winning the World Series in 1955.

This beer is one of their most popular and after spending some time sipping it thoughtfully, I certainly can understand why. It’s a very drinkable pale ale with a beautiful orangey hue. Aromas of caramel and butter jumped out at me. Those flavors lingered on the mouth with a smooth, light yeasty finish. I may have detected slight notes of peach that were complemented with honey and toasted toffee. Despite all the sweet malt qualities, it still finished dry.

I really fell in love with the complexity and lightness of this beer at this neighborly bar in this exciting borough. No hard feelings towards Queens, but I love Brooklyn more and more every day.

Is Brooklyn Brewery’s Pennant Ale ’55 the best beer in NY? It earns a 9 out of 10 because it’s a great, light ale with rich, balanced flavors and a sense of patriotism to its home borough.