By Kevin Burns, Beer Columnist

Cooperstown Brewing Company tends to get overlooked from time to time. The Baseball Hall of Fame is the main reason to visit Cooperstown, and when people start talking about craft beer in the area the conversation tends to be about the world-renowned Brewery Ommegang.

Despite being on occasion, Cooperstown is making some really solid beer in Upstate New York. The brewery offers five year-round beers and one seasonal specialty. The five year round beers are all linked to America's pastime with names such as Strike Out Stout and Benchwarmer Porter. In my opinion, the brewery's packaging is some of the best in the state, with the labels featuring classic, old time graphics of baseball players and a baseball logo serving as the cap.     

Old
Slugger poured a clear, copper color with a pen width of off-white head. The aroma is malty with some hops underneath.

The body is smooth, with
a nice malt backbone, a little caramel, and some yeasty breadiness. The finish has a light hoppy dryness that lingers for a bit

Overall,
this is a decent pale ale.  While nothing jumps out as amazing, Old
Slugger is well balanced and easy drinking.

One of the reasons that I love the pale ale style is it's ability to pair with such a wide spectrum of foods. You can pair this with just about any course ranging from appetizer (stew or soup), to the entree (burger), to  dessert (bread pudding).        

Producer: Cooperstown Brewing Company
ABV: 5.5%
Price: $2.00 (12 oz. Bottle)
Rating:
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)