*Pairs well with your favorite video game series adding a cool, new mode to try.

Welcome to another craft beer review for Games And A Glass! This week I am reviewing a beer from Jack’s Abby, located in Framingham, Massachusetts. The beer for this week will be their Blood Orange Wheat, a German-style Radler. But of course before going into the review, let’s talk about Jack’s Abby.

The history of Jack’s Abby can be found on their site, and it’s a nice story about three brothers who take pride in their hard work.

“Founded in 2011 by three brothers, Jack, Eric, and Sam Hendler, Jack’s Abby has become a mainstay of the craft brewing scene in the Northeast and nationwide.

The Hendler brothers grew up in a family that promoted entrepreneurship and hard work. Spending summers with their grandfather and working at the family’s ice distribution company, they learned the value of committed family members and loyal employees—the foundation of which Jack’s Abby is based.

We’ve got quite the story to tell, and more in the making. Since opening, our brewery has tripled in size and is only continuing to grow. Come visit our brewery and Beer Hall & Kitchen, have a pint, some fresh wood-fired pizza, and learn more. And check out our experimental and barrel-aging tap room Springdale, next door.”

Some of Jack’s Abby’s mainstays for beers include this week’s Blood Orange Wheat, their House Lager, and their Hoponius Union India Pale Lager. Their more specialty releases include the Red Tape Amber Lager, Cranberry Berliner sour wheat lager, and numerous porters aged in different barrels, including brandy and bourbon.

Their description for the Blood Orange reads, “Blood Orange Wheat debuted in our Beer Hall and it quickly became a fan favorite. This German-style radler is fruit forward, juicy and bloody refreshing. Lean back and enjoy!”

And now onto my thoughts!

Nose: The orange on the nose is present on a lighter level, but it’s complemented by the malt. It’s friendly, it’s reasonable, and it leads me to believe this will be a well-balanced but tasty beer. I wish I had more to say regarding its smell, but sometimes all you need is something simple.

Palate: It tastes malty and crisp right away, like most lagers do. But it’s solid. As I drink it more, there is a hint of orange that sneaks in throughout to provide a refreshing dimension to the beer. I think the orange works well and it gives a little nuance to the lager. Plain and simple, it’s a tasty and easy-drinking beer. At 4 percent ABV, it’s very light and I appreciate that.

Overall: This is a great beer! As a lager, It would be very good on its own, but the hint of orange provides a nice touch. I can picture myself enjoying one or two at a baseball game with the warmer weather coming in, relaxing with a hot dog in hand. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a beer to enjoy in the summer.

I’d like to thank you for reading my craft beer review. If there’s ever a craft beer you’d recommend I try and/or review, please let me know and I will try, to the best of my ability, to acquire it! And remember, like a fine alcoholic beverage or a memorable video game, please enjoy in moderation.