“The classics are that for a reason. Like its punchy forefathers, this American style Pale Ale is defined by citrus, pine and tropical hop characters. Pale and toasted malts provide a solid base that lets the hops do the talking — and avoid a potential conflict. Watch your step folks.”
Glassware: Shaker.
Appearance: Clear light golden amber which is topped off with two fingers of creamy white head. Excellent retention as it hangs a sheet down the sides of our glass.
Aroma: Strange to say the least. We’re getting powdery perfumes, candied orange, peach, stone fruits, floral pine and this totally unexpected hint of musty biltong. As it settles we’re picking up a somewhat artificial fruity note – either pineapple or melon. We’ve smelt better that’s for sure.
Flavour: Acting a bit more like a pale ale now. Mild tropical fruits like passion fruit, melon and pineapple to the fore. Some piney notes floating about as well. The malt has a caramel sweetness to it, a bit cloying at times but it’s saved by a citric bitterness. Kind of sweet, kind of grassy finish that endures.
Mouthfeel: Frothy and reasonably light. 5.2% ABV and 35 IBU – both neither here nor there.
Overall: We like the move in to cans along with the back story behind the beer but there’s hardly anything American about it. It has a strange aroma, minimal bitterness and no aggression. Missed the mark for us.