Judge’s Review: 85 Rating – Vantucky Pale Ale by Heathen Brewing

American Pale Ale | Year-Round | United States

By Susan Ruud

Judges Rating: 85
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 7
Overall Impression: 17

Vantucky Pale Ale by Heathen Brewing was judged as an American IPA (BJCP Cat. 21A) and had a wonderful earthy upfront hop aroma blended with a low crackery malt with a hint of toast and caramel behind. Light esters of pear and cherry are blended throughout. It was a beautiful golden color with a huge rich off-white head of fine bubbles that were mousse-like and was lightly hazy. The aroma was followed by an upfront earthy hop flavor blended with a low crackery malt and followed immediately with intense bitterness that lingers extensively. It had a medium-full body, was lightly warming and had a very drying bitterness. This beer is for those that love intensely hoppy beers with lingering bitterness. Overall a cleanly made beer that would go great with something like pizza or other food that would have the acidity to balance the bitterness in this beer.