Pale Ale 1996

This beer wafts a clean bouquet of toasted malt and moderate piney, citrusy hops, complemented by a profile of low fruity esters. Deep amber in color and fairly clear, with just a hint of chill haze, the ale also sports an impressive stand of off-white foam with first-class head retention.

Biscuity, clean malts, appealing flavor from hops, and light, fruity esters provide appropriate background and balance. The slightly dry finish is highlighted by a pleasant, lingering bitterness, a mild grassy, herbal quality and perhaps a hint of cherry-like esters. This well-constructed example of an American Pale Ale also possesses intriguing caramel malt character often associated with the related style of British ESB.