Sackets Harbor War of 1812 Ale (NY)

Sackets Harbor Brewing's War of 1812 Ale plays up the history of its region (eastern edge of Lake Ontario). I liked their Thousands Island Pale Ale, but War of 1812 turns out to be "safer," which I suppose isn't surprising given that it's their flagship beer.

It pours clear golden, not rich amber, without much of a head. Not a whole lot of aroma either. It has considerably less citrus hoppiness than the pale ale, which isn't unexpected, but unfortunately there isn't enough malt to pick up the slack. Slightly bready/biscuity, and only very faintly of caramel sweetness, War of 1812 really goes down easy -- too easy, I think. The body is nicely crisp, if a tad thin. I wouldn't mind knocking down several of these on a warmer evening, but in a world of interesting craft beer, this one isn't worth seeking. Not disagreeable, but not memorable either.

Sackets Harbor Thousand Islands Pale Ale (NY)

Fortunately, this isn't named after -- or made with -- salad dressing. The brewery is located in the Thousand Islands region of New York near the eastern edge of Lake Ontario. It has been around for about a decade and is apparently expanding rapidly, but this ale was introduced only last year.

It pours an ochre (copper-orange) color with a white head with some lacing. This is a pretty hoppy pale ale, unsurprisingly more in the American style than the English. It's citrusy, but without the dry, grapefruitiness that others have. I sense some malty sweetness. The finish brings a pretty good shot of bitterness to it. It's also pretty high ABV at more than 6%, and I think I can taste that at the end.

I'd rank this fairly highly, close to Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale, which is one I like. Comparatively, the Sackets Harbor either has more dimensions to it, or is too loosely constructed, depending on how you look at it. It's worth a try.