Sunlight Cream Ale

Sunlight Cream Ale by Sun King, like most offerings of the 2015 BJCP Category 1C Cream Ale style, is a rather simple beer. This is typically an entry level style for those first initiates into the Craft beer scene. As such, Sunshine fits the criteria, being unassuming, yet with enough character to differentiate itself from an American Lager.

The aroma is quite grainy with a noticeable corn character along with a trace of honey malt sweetness and floral ester. The corn is expected, as this is a typical adjunct in beers of this style. A light perfume character develops as it warms. The color is a light golden straw which is pilsner like. The beer has outstanding clarity with a head composed of larger bubbles which is quite fleeting.

There are no real surprises in the flavor, with a light sweet maltiness and little to no hop character. There is a touch of hop bitterness in the finish, but not enough to cut the residual honey-like malt sweetness that lingers through into the aftertaste. The high level of carbonation does cut this sweetness a bit, but the finish does remain a bit flabby. The body is medium light, but seems higher due to the aforementioned sweetness. The fermentation seems quite clean with no off notes present.

Sunlight is a fair representation of the Cream Ale style, but the residual sweetness impacts the refreshability quotient of this brew. Cheers and enjoy!