Blue Point Brewery is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the largest brewing companies in the world. This acquisition took place in 2014, when Anheuser-Busch InBev purchased Blue Point Brewery in order to expand its craft beer portfolio and tap into the growing demand for craft beer in the United States.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and analyze Blue Point beers, including their flagship Toasted Lager. One of the standout characteristics of this beer is the direct firing process used during the brewing. This technique involves exposing the malt to direct heat, which results in toasty flavors and aromas.
When you take a sip of Toasted Lager, the first thing that hits your senses is the toasty malt aroma. It's like taking a bite of warm, freshly toasted bread. This aroma is complemented by a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of caramel. The combination of toast and caramel creates a rich and inviting aroma that draws you in.
Upon closer inspection, you may also detect notes of clover honey in the aroma. This adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the beer. It's like drizzling a spoonful of honey over your warm toast, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Moving on to the taste, the toasty malt flavors continue to dominate. The caramel notes come through as well, providing a pleasant sweetness that balances out the toasty bitterness. The hops used in the beer lend a lightly spicy character, adding a touch of complexity to the flavor profile.
One particular aspect that stands out to me is the hint of Anjou pears in the beer. It's a subtle note that adds a fruity and slightly tart element to the overall experience. It's like enjoying a slice of pear with your toast, adding a refreshing twist to the flavor profile.
Overall, Toasted Lager is a well-crafted beer that showcases the skill and expertise of the brewers at Blue Point Brewery. The toasty and caramel notes, along with the hints of clover honey and Anjou pears, create a complex and enjoyable drinking experience.
In my personal experience, I have found that Toasted Lager pairs well with a variety of foods. Its toasty and caramel flavors make it a great companion for grilled meats, such as burgers or steaks. The slightly spicy hop character also pairs nicely with spicy dishes, such as tacos or curries.
To conclude, Blue Point Brewery is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, and their flagship beer, Toasted Lager, is a delicious and well-balanced brew. The direct firing process used during brewing creates the toasty and caramel notes that are the star players in this beer. Combined with hints of clover honey and Anjou pears, Toasted Lager offers a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.