You have to hand it to Harpoon, putting their Summer Beer in cans this year was a smart move. I've heard nothing but good things from people at package stores (beer stores) when it comes to how fast these cans have been moving. Now, if only I had a nice Kolsch glass....

From the Harpoon site:

"Harpoon Summer Beer is a Kolsch style ale. Originating in the Rhineland city of Cologne (Koln), Kolsch ales have the characteristics that many people associate with lager beers. Kolsch is brewed with an ale yeast, but like other northern German light ales, it is straw gold in color and light bodied. The flavor is mild. The hopping levels provide a crisp, dry finish that make this beer particulary refreshing."

Here we go...

Pour - light golden, straw colored almost with a decent sized light and airy white head. Looks a lot like a golden or blonde ale.

Aroma - slight hints of citrus and hops actually along with some grainy and straw notes. Very light aroma but pleasing nonetheless.

Taste - super smooth going down with a nice tangy citrusy aftertaste. Nice malty flavor for such a light-colored beer. I really like the slight bit of citrus that Harpoon's Summer Beer provides, its very refreshing. This medium to light-bodied ale would certainly be a great candidate for a day at the lake or beach. 

Overall - This beer was a bit of a surprise as I wasn't expecting it to be quite so good! Its not another hum-drum boring summer brew, this is a solid flavorful beer with some real character. Another beer that won't be left in the cooler at the end of the day/night.

Would I buy more of it? - yes, I definitely will be getting a 12-pack for this weekend's camping trip up in Vermont.

Availaility - April through August

Note - Kölsch waiters (Köbes) in traditional pubs are allowed, and indeed expected, to speak the local dialect and to use fairly rough, unrefined language, which might include crude jokes with the customers. In keeping with serving tradition, the Köbes in such pubs will also continue to exchange empty Kölsch glasses with new ones unprompted until customers leave their glass half full or place the beermat upon the glass to signal that they no longer wish to be served. - from Wikipedia