Whirlpool

American Pale Ale | Year-Round | United States

By Rick Franckhauser

Judges Rating: 90
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

Fresh tart lemons and grapefruit are first to greet you senses.  Very low levels of grainy malt follow. Clean fermentation. The beer is a very cloudy light yellow color that looks almost “milky”, like Witbier. Topped with a big frothy white head which eventually dropped to a thin creamy cap. The flavor follows the aroma with slightly tart lemony flavors and just touch of grapefruit pithiness mid-way through.  Low levels of grainy malt come along in the dry finish. The bitterness is enhanced by the citrus and a slight hop astringency to provide a decidedly bitter balance and a long tart finish. The hopping seems closer to a session IPA, due in part to an almost unperceived and rather nondescript malt profile. Overall, this APA is a very refreshing summer quencher.