“Our Pale Ale is an Australian twist on a classic American style. This beer typifies the type of session beer we love to drink at Five Barrels. It is light and easy drinking with a good smack of hop flavours and aromas, chased by a light biscuity body. We think that a good Pale Ale has to strike the right balance between the malt and the hops; it can’t be too sweet, but it can’t be too bitter either. It’s all about balance, and we think ours is pretty bloody good.”

Glassware: Shaker.

Appearance: Mildly hazy light amber with a finger of white foam perched on top. The head gradually peels off but it’s able to weave a fine lace down the glass.

Aroma: Nicely balanced. There’s a good fruit profile alongside hints of herbals, resin, pine needles and fruit sugars/candy. The malt structure is fairly heady…certainly some caramel sweetness but also quite biscuity with a flutter of honey also coming through. It’s not going to win any prizes but it does the job.

Flavour: Once again the balance is key here. The semi sweet and kinda biscuity malts really take the edge off that classic hop bitterness. Mostly citrus and stone fruit with a pinch of herbals and pine carry through mid and land on a slightly dry and pithy finish which endures.

Mouthfeel: Keeping with the tradition of the beer it’s well rounded with a vibrant CO2. Medium body. 4.9% ABV.

Overall: Some might see this Pale Ale as being a little insipid but we can appreciate the pin point balance that’s struck here. If we were looking for a full flavoured yet light and sessional beer this would be one we’re reaching for. Solid drop.