Judge's Review: 94 Rating - Syringa Pale Ale by Boise Brewing Co.

Syringa Pale Ale by Boise Brewing Co. was judged as category 18B (American pale ale) in the 2015 BJCP guidelines. What we can expect from this beer should be the following: A pale, refreshing and hoppy ale with sufficient supporting malt to make the beer balanced and drinkable. The clean hop presence can reflect classic or modern American or New World hop varieties with a wide range of characteristics. An average-strength hop-forward pale American craft beer, generally balanced to be more accessible than modern American IPAs."

This particular sample was served from a can. In the nose I get a very nice rich hop aroma, with a dominant citrus aroma but there are some sweeter tropical mango notes in the back. The hop presence is strong and very welcome for an American pale ale. I get a little bit of crisp cracker-like malt that supports the hops nicely. Overall the aroma is clean and void of any noticeable off aromas. Very typical of the American ale yeast this is most likely brewed with. It's easily approachable and not overly heavy on the hops. The color is deep gold, and very clear. The beer poured a very well-formed and long lasting ivory white head. The retention is very nice and long lasting. The flavor matches the aroma perfectly, with a juicy and smooth hop flavor of citrus and mango, with a hint of pine that is accentuated by the medium bitterness. The malt is crisp and mildly sweet, with a hint of very light toast. Again, the flavor is clean and easily drinkable. The beer is medium bodied, mildly creamy, with no off-putting hop astringency. This is a very easy drinking and well-hopped APA. I really enjoyed this sample and it represents the style very well.

If I were to ask for a easily crushable and yet sophisticated American Pale Ale, this beer is exactly what I would picture in my mind. Very well done.