The Brü Revü – Real Ale 4-Squared

Real Ale took their Fireman’s 4 and turned it up to 11!  They took their ever popular blonde ale and multiplied the malted barley and hops and then added a round of dry-hopping for good measure.  A supercharged version of the Fireman’s 4 with a clean dry finish that went down smooth.  The 4-squared poured a hazy gold with a substantial white head.  The added hops were readily apparent on the aroma and through the first sips that really transformed the Firemen’s 4 into a fantastic beer.  The base Fireman’s 4 flavors are there with a bit more body behind them and more pleasingly bitter hops all around.  The 4-squared was a rockin version of the Fireman’s 4 and will easily be kept in my summertime rotation.

Real Ale 4-Squared

The Brü Revü – Real Ale Fireman's #4

Real Ale’s Fireman’s #4 is quite the staple around Austin.  It’s available just about everywhere and is an easy drinking blonde ale that fits in well in our hot climate.  On draft this beer is smooth and creamy with a citrus, apricot flavor on the finish that is the perfect antidote to all the watered down domestic varieties available.  From a bottle the Fireman’s #4 doesn’t have the creaminess of the draft version, but is just as tasty.  I had this Fireman’s #4 on a late afternoon and it was just what I needed to tame the heat.  While some pilsners can be light and bright, I found this blonde to be bigger and bolder.  So, don’t let the light golden color fool you, the Fireman’s #4 is surprisingly deep and full on the palate.  This brew is a great Austin favorite and something you should look for when you are trapped in a bar with limited options.

Real Ale Fireman's #4

The Brü Revü – Southern Star Bombshell Blonde Ale

The Southern Star Bombshell Blonde Ale came from a Bums meeting that featured craft beers in a can, and was one I remember enjoying at the tasting. Blonde Ales are not usually something I drink but I found that I really enjoyed this one.  It poured a golden amber with a big frothy white head and plenty of fruity malt in the aroma.  For a lighter beer it had a nice full creamy mouthfeel with hints of fruit and apricot that I found appealing. This is not a complex in your face beer, but something that is light and refreshing with enough body to keep it interesting.  A great beer for our hot Texas summer days.

Southern Star Bombshell Blonde Ale