Firemans #4 - Real Ale Brewing Review

Firemans #4 comes rolling out of the Texas Hill Country with a smooth balance of gentle malt and hop zest. And with some awards to back it up, a craft beer drinker can see why this Blonde Ale is Real Ale’s best selling brew.

It is named after Firemans Texas Cruzer bike makers and the #4 is tacked on to represent the fourth year-round beer Real Ale added to their lineup. It has 5.10% ABV and 23 IBUs, making it approachable and refreshing.

With the history and stats out of the way, let’s see how it stacked up under the scrutiny of the senses.

First Impressions:

• On the eyes--A cream-colored head formed over a clear straw to golden ale. It also is worth noting here that it actually had a decent bit of lacing as I guzzled it down.

• On the nose--Crisp and zesty. I get a little floral hit on the back end. Overall, sweet and inviting.

• On the palate--The nose wasn’t lying, this one is zesty with some great herb-like qualities, and a mild malt sweetness to balance it. It has a nice floral touch on the back end that is quite pleasant after the zesty kick. It is light and crisp enough that you can have more than one, and it will do the job of cooling a person down on a hot day or after some spicy food.

Firemans #4 is a pleasant drinking beer. It’s an avid beer drinker’s Blonde Ale. It has some of the more lager-like qualities that some think of with Blonde Ales, but it has an extra kick of zest that sets it apart. This is a good beer for those looking to get into craft beer, and it could be a great everyday drinker.

Food Pairings: Real Ale suggests pairing Firemans #4 with fried Gulf shrimp, barbeque, and Tex-Mex food, making it a Texan’s dream beer. 

Check out Real Ale in Blanco, Texas, if you haven’t. They have many varieties of beer, including the Firemans #4 Light for those of you just looking to dip a toe in.

Cheers!

Mr. Brew