Country of Origin: United States
Availability: Local to the west coast of the U.S., but I had it shipped in as part of my Beer of the Month Club membership.
Price comparison: See above - I didn't pay for that membership, either; it was the gift my sister-in-law gave me for participating in her wedding to my brother. My family is very cool.
Alcohol percentage by volume: Unknown for sure, but not particularly powerful. Definitely less than 6% and conservatively less than 5%, but probably as close to 5% as makes no odds.
Cute bottle/label? Standard brown glass twelve-ouncer with a colorful depiction on its label of the "green flash", a natural phenomenon lasting about two seconds right before the sun sets below the ocean's horizon where its color changes from red or yellow to green.
Appearance: Clear bright golden with a creamy white head and soft carbonation.
Scent: Much more like flowers or herbs than pine, which surprised me, since west coast ales tend to use more woodsy hops. Also, I could definitely detect a pretzelly maltishness in the aroma, whereas usually, I can't smell the malt at all in west coast pale ales.
Flavor: Mellow and dry without being too astringent, plus, again, I was surprised by the fact that I could actually taste the malt comeback on the finish.
Impressions: Very light, refreshing, perfect for session. A little too light to drink with chili dogs, which is what I was having for lunch when I sampled this, but if I'd been outside picnicking (it was too cool outside and rain was threatening) it would not have been inappropriate.
I'm more inclined to call this an American pale ale than a west coast pale ale, based on the fact that it's not as piney as I've come to expect from that part of the country. This almost tasted like some of the microbrews I've had in Massachussetts and Pennsylvania.
Will I buy this beer again? It's not available on this coast, but if I can ever get it here, yes, I will. I'd also like to try some of the brewer's other offerings, such as their Belgian trippel and IPAs.
Rating:
3½ out of 5 cute beer glasses
Reviewed: April 30, 2007
