Dark Horse Ale and Blonde Ale

[Brian N-]

Ok - I've been upstate NY now I am back home by way of Florida (a bit crazy). Anyway, we were in Columbia Virginia on the way home and stopped at the Ale House. They have local brews from the Washington-Baltimore area and I tried the Dark Horse. It is an English style dark and mild ale. It lived up to its name, as it was a dark amber, and mildly bitter. It was not served ice cold, but I would guess 55 deg F. which was just right. Not overly malty or sweet, with enough hop flavor coming through. The body and head were very good, with the head lasting through the entire pint. Nothing fruity or citrus flavor in this brew - just malt.

My wife had the "Blonde" which was served very cold and was a nice golden color. It was an ale but "larger-like" in flavor, very crisp and clean. What I liked was the nice hop bitterness, good carbonation on the tongue and clean finish. A lighter body, and a fair size head when first served. I would have ordered one too, but I was a bit tired after driving 10 hours.

Both Beers are recommended.

[dad2all5]

Sounds like a project to find some new recipe's to me.