English Pale Mild Ale

English Pale Mild Ale by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. is an English Ordinary Bitter and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 11A). It poured deep golden and slightly hazy into the glass, forming a thick, modestly-retained white head. Initial aromas before warming included fruity esters, caramel and more subtle hints of English yeast and carbonic acid. The flavor profile resembled the aroma’s, and was dominated by lush fruity esters (a pleasant blend of citrus and cherry notes foremost), plenty of caramel malt flavor and bittering rather than flavor hops, consistent with style. That said, even less caramel and more bittering hops would have improved its balance. This Bitter displayed medium body, moderate carbonation and a dry finish.

Overall, this beer should appeal to many drinkers, especially those who love drinking English real ales, on this or the other side of the Pond. Other beer lovers will appreciate this display of the brewer’s craft, which in this case produces a delicious low-gravity ale that invites quaffing rather than sipping.