The Narragansett Brewing Company was founded in 1888. In 1890 they produced their first beer and in 1891 they were officially incorporated and had produced 28,000 barrels of beer. By 1914 they were the largest brewery in New England. These days they continue to produce their variety of beers, one of which is Fresh Catch which is up for review today.
Fresh Catch is, according to their website, “a supremely refreshing blonde ale that’s dry hopped with citra for a crisp grapefruit finish.” It is meant to be paired with seafood, as evidenced by the lobster on the can. This looks and sounds as New England as you can get.
The pour is a slightly hazy, yet vibrant yellow. There is a soapy, white head that rose to about two fingers as its height. A fair amount of carbonation is seen reinforcing the surface. The aroma is not overpowering but offers hints of grapefruit and citrus as well as bread.
The flavor profile follows the nose with hints of citrus and grapefruit evident but not overpowering. The bread finish is noted but a slight hop flavor lingers after the first sip. Again, nothing is overpowering in the flavor profile. The mouthfeel is light and crisp and finishes dry. The flavor profile was consistent throughout the session and the lacing on the glass was solid and consistent as well. You don’t have to be a fan of hops to enjoy this as the hops don’t overpower but rather play nicely with the rest of the profile.
Overall, this beer is a pretty good beer. It isn’t heavy so you can have a couple while enjoying a clam bake or steamer pot on a nice summer’s eve. Or you could pair it with some fish and chips or bowl of chowder on a brisk winter’s day. Clocking in at 4.2 percent ABV this beer won’t sneak up on you either. Drinking this does make me want to dive into a huge lobster with melted butter.