Drink of the Week: Little Kings Cream Ale

With summer around the corner and American Craft Beer Week winding down, we’re ready to tap into today’s Drink of the Week—the Little Kings Original Cream Ale. As Americana as beer brewing gets, cream ales first hit the pint glass in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries when Northeast and Mid-Atlantic brewers began fermenting ales at cooler temperatures (similar to lager production). The resulting hybrid ales were crisp, clean and a favorite of beer enthusiasts coast to coast. Imbibe contributing editor Joshua Bernstein explores the history of the beer style and recent resurgence in our current issue, and Little Kings fits right in with its smooth, malty flavors, notes of sweet vanilla and caramel, and bit of hop bitterness on the finish. Brewed from the same recipe since the 1950s, this beer offers up a taste of the classic cream ale style and is available across the country. Looking for cream ale with a regional flair? Check out local offerings ranging from Empire Brewing Company in Syracuse, New York to Bold City Brewery in Jacksonville, Florida to Coalition Brewery in Portland, Oregon. And want to know more about the current crop of cream ales? Click here. 
Littlekingsbeer.com for distribution info.