Well I’ve been seeing commercials for Budweiser’s new American Ale for a week or two now, and I’ve been wanting to try it. I’m not a big fan of regular Bud Heavy or Bud Light, although I will drink cans and cans of Bud Light if they’re around. Bud Light in cans fits into a category–as my dad calls it–of utility beer!

So I picked up a six pack of this new American Ale. Before I tried it I imagined that it would actually have flavor, as compared to Anheuser-Busch’s other fine brews. I imagined a hoppy flavor, with a smooth finish.

I’m about midway through my first American Ale, and I’ve got to admit that it’s actually pretty damn good! I’m very, very surprised.

It’s got a real nice blend of bitterness and smoothness to it, with a very delicate aftertaste. It goes down very nicely!

As read on the bottle:

> Carefully brewed with barley from America’s Heartland and cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest, this rich, amber-colored ale has robust flavor and a distinctive, hoppy finish.

Strange, I hadn’t read that quote before I tried it, but my first reaction to the beer reminded me of a hop from the Pacific Northwest. I first thought, “Hey, this tastes kinda like the same hops they’d use in Sierra Nevada brews.” So I guess they are using the same kind of hops.

If you’re unsure whether or not to try it, I’m going to recommend you do. Budweiser’s obviously got some brewing experience, so it’s about time they’ve made a beer that approaches us beer connoisseurs. Good work, Budweiser. Keep brewing this stuff!