St. Terese's Pale Ale

On the very low end of bitterness for an American Pale Ale, Highland’s St. Terese’s Pale Ale certainly makes up for it in hop aroma. Tucked away in the scenic, beer culture rich environs of Asheville, N.C., these folks have been knocking out tasty brews for almost two decades. St. Terese’s aroma is dominated by bright notes of grapefruit and tangelo, backed by resinous pine notes. Tim enjoyed the “delicate give and take of sweet caramel and sharp grapefruit tang,” all interspersed with subtle floral notes of hyssop, proclaiming the nose as “decidedly American, driven by pungent Pacific Northwest hop notes.” Crystal clear and pouring a burnished gold, this beer is capped by an ivory tinged, mousse-like head that leaves beautiful lacework as it subsides. Though not as hop-driven as the nose, the flavors tend toward fruitiness supported by biscuit-like malt. Tom found the flavor “a bit too hop forward – more like an IPA,” though he complimented the beer’s balance between bitterness and sweet malt. He also enjoyed the clean, crisp finish. On the other hand, Pete appreciated the hop notes of “resiny, Spruce tip and tart Bergamot orange,” declaring the flavor exceptionally balanced, with smooth bitterness and a “quick finish that cracks across the palate.” If you can’t find St. Terese’s close to home, a trek to Asheville to sample it at the source is definitely in order.