Bronx American Pale Ale

This APA opens with a smack in the face of grapefruit, pine and resin. Moderate caramel and heavily browned bread attempt to help support the intense hop aroma. As it warms, the alcohol becomes more apparent and – combined with the hops and caramel malt – the beer is reminiscent of orange marmalade.

The flavor is more malt-forward than the aroma would have suggested. Medium caramel and bready malt is balanced by a medium-high bitterness. The low-to-medium hop flavor has typical American flavors of orange and pinesap. The semi-dry finish allows the drinker another sip with notes of orange liqueur and biscuits lingering.

APAs are tougher to perfect than one would suspect. The balance and intensity of both malt and hops needs to be just right. Bronx Brewery’s version of this style comes across as an IPA with enhanced malt, hop, and alcohol for a typical pale ale, which makes it perfect for a rainy spring or fall day.