“More than an average Pale ale, our XPA is a celebration of the stylistic divide between Pale Ale and IPA. Biscuity and toasty English malts combine with resinous and citrus hop flavours and aromas in lip smacking, moreish balance.”
Served in an IPA glass. She pours a rich, deep amber complexion with a compacted head forming over the top. For the lack of head it actually draws out a fairly decent lace as we indulge.
The aroma packs quite an unsuspecting punch. Crisp pine, sweet citrus fruits, mango, pineapple and passion fruit are counted by a robust and sweet biscuit malt backbone. It actually becomes more dense and juicy as it settles in the glass. We’re quite impressed by the quality of the nose.
Super smooth as the liquid glides over the tongue effortlessly. There’s a nice little tickle from the Co2 as the body weighs in around the medium mark. 45 IBU’s and 5.8% ABV – both are very well behaved.
Nice carry in to the flavour here. Again we get a delicious blend of sweet citrus, pine and tropical fruits against a biscuity malt backdrop. That little hint of bitterness presents through the mid but the sweet malts and tropical notes are thrust forward and punctuated by a juicy, fruity and slightly dry finish.
Don’t you just love it when you stumble upon something awesome? That’s exactly what has occurred here. What was to be a routine beer stop ends up uncovering a bloody delicious drop from a brewery we’d never heard of! Kudos Riders Brew Co we’re impressed.