The Year in Beer

Name: Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning

Brewer: Clipper City Brewing Co., Baltimore, Md.

By the numbers: About 210 calories per 12 oz.; 7 percent alcohol by volume

Notes: Another quality beer from Heavy Seas. They call this an “Uber Pils”, but the official style would be Imperial Pilsner. Though I thought this came across more like a golden bock lager than a pilsner. It poured a orange-gold rather than the paler yellow associated with pils. It was also much more malt-forward in taste, with a sweetness almost like a Marzen rather than a crispness like Pilsner. That said, I really enjoyed this beer for what it was and not what it wasn’t. Pilsner lovers seeking heavy hops will be disappointed, but this is a very drinkable beer.

Try it with: A little bit of maritime history. The phrase “small craft warning” refers to the custom among sailors of issuing a warning against potential heavy winds - the kind that could cause smaller boats and ships trouble at sea. It follows Heavy Seas’ custom of naming their beers after sailing and pirate themes. Their seasonals include Red Sky at Night and Winter Storm.

    — Posted by Mike Freimann