Denver Pale Ale

The most surprising thing about this American Pale Ale is the almost complete lack of hop aroma from a beer that provides bitterness levels and hop flavors that are on par for the style. Instead, the beer provides neutral malt aromas that are reminiscent of wheat (but not bread-like), a slight sulfur scent that faded with some time in the glass, little to no esters and only a hint of herbal spice and floral characteristics from hops. The color is light straw with exceptional clarity and a persistent, thin, off-white head. Hop flavors are herbal and smooth, balancing well with the neutral malt character of this beer. Slight fruit esters were detectable after a little bit of warming. Bitterness is assertive but not overbearing and lingers on the palate for quite some time. The mouthfeel is very slightly creamy with a medium-light body and good carbonation. Despite the shortcomings in the hop aroma for an American Pale Ale, the beer is very clean and quaffable as a session beer for those seeking a little extra hope bite without all the drama of an IPA.