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Tag Archives: Pale Ale
Samuel Smith Organic Best Ale
Samuel Smith Organic Best Aleuel
Samuel Smith actually boast a full line of organic beers, including chocolate stout, cherry, strawberry, and apricot. This the the Best Ale.
Very clear for an ale. Aroma is mostly toasted malt and butterscotch candy. The butterscotch flavor carries through, blending with grassy hops. Very smooth. There is a hint of lemon in the finish. And that classic English hard water, as well.
Overall, I thought this was fine. Definitely not bad, but I don’t think I’ll be getting a craving for it again. Just didn’t have enough flavor for me.
Grade: C
Left Hand Stranger Pale Ale
Left Hand Stranger
Left Hand makes a lot of tasty brews, and this is the first I have tried the Stranger Pale Ale. Light in color, the nose is full of hops and orange. But the flavor isn’t has bold as the smell would lead you to believe. There is a bit of hop bitterness and character, but also a lot of grass and rye. A dry, spicy finish.
It’s almost like a mild IPA. It’s smooth and drinkable, even if the flavors aren’t over powering. And at 5% ABV, it’s a good session beer.
I don’t think the Stranger is bad, but I’m not in love with it. Doesn’t have enough to be an IPA, but maybe a bit more than what a standard Pale Ale should have. At least it’s aptly named.
Grade: C
Two Brothers The Bitter End
Two Brothers The Bitter End
The redolence of Two Brothers The Bitter End promises a balance of malt and hops. Thankfully, the taste complies.
The light butterscotch from the malt coats the mouth, while the hops provide the requisite kick at the back end. And as promised, there is some bitterness in the finish, too.
This isn’t the most complex brew, but it’s tasty, boasts a great balance of malt and hops with neither being overpowering, and at just a tick over 5% ABV, it’s a great session beer.
Solid, if unspectacular.
Grade: B