Genesee Cream Ale

I had a lot of fun when I pulled a review out of left field and went macro and reviewed Pabst Blue Ribbon. I've been waiting awhile to follow it up with another macro from the same level. In Buffalo, I always looked at Genesee Cream ale and snickered and would walk by. That was until I found out that Genesee Cream Ale was in Orlando, for some odd reason. I figured I just HAD to pick up a 12 pack because of this. Perfect opportunity to do another beer review of a adjunct lager. Despite it being a Cream Ale, it's definitely an adjunct lager. But who am I to tell Genesee they are wrong?

A little history on the "award winning classic."

In the old days, there were ales and there were lagers. Ales were flavorful. Lagers were smooth. And never the twain did meet.

Until Genesee Cream Ale. And then the twain met head on to form an American Original with the flavor of an ale and the smoothness of a lager.
Cream Ale is unique. Then. Now. Always.

* We skillfully warm-ferment Genesee Cream Ale with our own signature top-fermenting yeast.
* During the aging process, every batch of Cream Ale is krausened to achieve an uncommonly smooth character.
* The process results in Cream Ale’s remarkably creamy white head and a body that is far more distinguished than standard American lagers.

5.2 ABV which seems slightly high for your standard macro. No complains by me, I normally find the better tasting beers to hover around the 5.5 ABV area.




A - Standard straw colored macro looking beer here. Very minimal lacing, and what lacing there is, dissipates rather quickly. Very minimal head on the pour that also dissipates quickly. I wasn't really expecting anything different, so I can't say I'm disappointed.

S - Not a very strong scent is present here. Adjunct corn and some malty sweetness pretty much sums it up.

T - Slighly metallic grainy flavor. Slight hop bitterness mixed with adjunct corn flavors. Finish is dry, zesty and clean.

M - Low to medium bodied. Closer to medium than to low. Carbonation is present, but it seems "right." Seems like just enough, not overdone.

D - Very drinkable beer, as most adjunct lagers are.

Grade - One thumb up. It's good for what it is. Genesee Cream Ale is very similar to Pabst Blue Ribbon in my opinion. Both beers are poked fun at, but if you compare them to the standard BMCs, they are clearly better, and even cheaper.