Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema is one of three brews that Anderson Valley is now canning. The others being their Poleeko Gold Pale Ale and most recently their Boont Amber Ale. I say the more the merrier! Keep 'em canning.

From the Anderson Valley site:

"This copper colored ale is smooth, malty, and lightly sweet, with a delicate hint of spice for that oh-so-drinkable, extra velvety flavor. The character is lighter in body than its cousin, our wildly popular Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale. This is a silky, creamy dream, perfect as a warm weather beer. But why call it Cerveza Crema? Two reasons: One, this beer has become a favorite among many of our Hispanic friends, so it’s named in their honor. Two, it sounds cool, and cool is what you want when its hot. Serve at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit for the most optimal flavor and enjoyment. ¡Salud!"

Here we go...

Pour - dark amber in color with a nice thick head. This is darker than you might expect for the style. Great looking pour.

Aroma - toasty malt, bready, slight hints of orange along with some graininess. This is a style that tends not to have a huge amount of aroma. This almost reminds me of an amber ale though.

Taste - vanilla, caramel and honey notes combined with some toasted bread flavors. There is also some slightly peppery or spicy notes in the background. This actually sort of reminds me of cream soda, which a friend of mine said as well but I had never really put together until now. Silky smooth going down with a bit of crispness in the finish. I am left with a tinge of vanilla on the lips before it is washed away by another sip. 

Overall - very solid brew. This is different than most other beers I've had as the vanilla/cream soda flavor is rather pronounced despite the "cream" in "cream ale" have nothing to do with that. Coincidence? Perhaps. Great beer nonetheless and well worthy of place in your cooler.

Would I buy more of it? - sure! It's available out here on the East Coast and a great canned summer brew. 

Note - Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema was the first craft brewed American Cream Ale to be canned. It was first canned for the summer of 2009.