“Hop Obama” Ale

By Jason + Todd Alström

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Some of you may have read about this beer online at BeerAdvocate, in BA magazine or Newsweek, or have physically run into it at one of Boston's fine beer bars. But for those of you who have yet to, here's the 411:

To the frustration of publicans and consumers, Sixpoint Craft Ales out of Brooklyn, N.Y., has been in and out of the Boston beer scene. They hit strong a couple of years back with their draft-only offerings, but demand forced them to take care of business in their backyard first and withdraw from other markets. However, president and brewer Shane Welch promised Bostonians that they'd return in full force. He kept that promise, and as of this past February, Boston is once again getting classics like Bengali Tiger (hoppy & dry), Righteous Ale (a hoppy rye beer), and Diesel (a rich stout)—among many others.

Then, "Hop Obama" Ale was unleashed in March.

The single 15-barrel batch (roughly 465 gallons) was brewed as a tribute (not endorsement) to presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama. The indefinable creation, which Sixpoint believes captures Obama's inspirational and unifying message of hope and change, was brewed with a blend of five European crystal malts, three varieties of American Northwest hops, a Scottish yeast strain, New York City tap water, and weighs in at a sessionable 5.2 percent alcohol by volume.

Aside from heated debates about the concept surrounding the beer, there's also a running debate as to whether or not the beer is an India Pale Ale, but the brewery describes "Hop Obama" Ale as a hoppy Amber, and we concur—it's not an IPA. It's a bit cloudy in appearance, as it's unfiltered, amber in color with suggestions of sweetness under a citrus, piney and herbal nose. The first sip hits you up front with a dry, crisp hop character, then with a smack of orangey citrus and a complex malty sweetness—caramel candy to sweet cereal grains—that lingers on the palate for a bit, but ultimately leaves it clean and dry. Overall, it's very balanced, refreshing, and moreish—not unlike the Obama campaign, in our opinion.

As for availability, "Hop Obama" Ale was released in N.Y. and Mass. Bars in Brooklyn mentioned to Newsweek that it was their best-selling beer ever, kicking kegs in just over a week, while bars in Boston kicked their kegs within hours. Speaking of Boston, the area's beer bars got sent a good amount of the beer, and though supplies were limited and most blew through the beer quickly, some still have it on. Keep in mind that we can't guarantee you'll find the beer at the following locations, but try heading down to The Publick House [1648 Beacon St., Brookline. 617.277.2880], Sunset Grill & Tap [, Bukowski's Tavern (Boston & Cambridge), or Cambridge Common. Prices will vary from $6 for a freakin' 12-ounce water glass to $4.95 for a proper 16-ounce US pint, but that's a rant for another day.

Welch tells us that Sixpoint plans on brewing more, if Obama takes Clinton. In the meantime, we encourage you to email info@sixpointcraftales.com with your thoughts and push them to send more of their fine brews to Boston.

For more info: sixpointcraftales.com

For more beer education: BeerAdvocate.com

Respect Beer.

Beer Events

Spring Beer Dinner, 2008

Apr 3

Need an excuse to leave the city? Go West Bostonians to the Gardner Ale House for five gourmet courses matched to five of their house-brewed brewpub beers. Menu looks great. Here's a tease: "Dave's Double (German Doppelbock Lager): five-spice grilled lamb chops with fresh plum and chili coulis and Dave's Double demi-glace over daikon noodles." Starts at 6pm, $50 per person. For reservations: reservations@gardnerale.com or 978.669.0122. gardnerale.com

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Apr 8

Join our friends at the Cambridge Common for a four-course, five-beer dinner featuring brews from Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, ME. Kicks off with an Allagash White, followed by their Dubbel, Tripel, Odyseey or Interlude and Black. Only $39 per person. Call 617.547.1228 for reservations.

For additional info and more beer events: BeerAdvocate.com