Today’s review is from a fairly popular brewer on the craft beer scene called Left Hand Brewing Company from Longmont, Colorado.  The brew is the Sawtooth Ale.

On the website, lefthandbrewing.com, I found a little bit of information that I want to share.
  
Two guitars, bass and drums.  It’s all you’ll ever need.  Sessionable.  Unpretentious.  Our original flagship.  Proof that a beer can be both complex and balanced.  Malty chewiness slowly transitioning over to herbal, earthy hops with a dry finish.  Brewed to be enjoyed with friends and to stimulate serendipity. 

Well… Let’s pour it and see how it measures up in the craft beer world.

     
This beer rates in at 5.3% ABV and comes in a 12 oz. bottle.

The beer poured a dark honey to light amber in color with some bright yellow and orange highlights making a profound appearance.  It was semi-clear with an off white head that had a combination of both large and small bubbles caressing the top.  The crown was lacking a bit in size and the retention was a bit under achieving, but some decent lacing was left behind as the beer emptied.

The nose revealed some nice hints of grapefruit and orange citrus.  A bread and biscuit malt coincided with a few notes of caramel, which seemed to balance the aroma, however the overall bouquet seemed to be a bit restrained.

The taste wasn’t bad as it provided more of the grapefruit and orange citrus flavors, but I also detected some light pine hop tinges.  The bread/biscuit/caramel malt needed to be a bit more forthcoming as they seemed even more subdued than they were in the aroma, which was moderate to begin with.

The mouthfeel was medium, but smooth, crisp and refreshing.  Not quite as dry as I was expecting nor did it leave as much flavor on the palate as I was hoping.  Hmm…. 

This would be a very good beer for Spring and Summer.  Very refreshing and easy to drink.  Nothing overly complicated or complex.  It’s pretty solid all around.  No doubt, it would be a great little session brew for when the BBQ is blazing.  Not a beer to sit and ponder over for any length of time because that was not the brewers intent in my opinion.  Just enjoy it for what it’s worth.

Score:  3.3 out of 5
Grade:  B-