Just as Belgian pale ales bring certain innovations to the foundational pale ale style which is now known as the English pale ale, American pale ales have a unique character which takes the basic pale ale format and adds assertive hopping with American hops and a cleaner yeast character. This serves to establish crisp, bright flavors that make this style of beer a refreshing drink for a summer’s day. Still, it isn’t too light to be paired with rich and hearty foods as well, so when dinner circumstances are uncertain, the American pale ale is a reliable go-to beer.

– – –

‘BITTER AMERICAN’ – 21st AMENDMENT – American Pale Ale – 4.40% ABV (Eye Choir’s Choice)

Appearance: Poured a light, slightly yellowed orange with a one finger, eggshell head. The body is not quite perfectly clear, though the mild to moderate carbonation present is easily visible. 4/5

Smell: Strong floral hop character is first noticeable, with highlights of orange peel, woody pine, and even faint traces of tropical fruit. This is supported by a milder but nonetheless robust malt character which features a pale breadiness accentuated by a slight caramelization. Not outside the standard pale ale construction but anything but boring. 4.5/5

Taste: Immediately presents with a mild sweetness which brings out some ripe tangerine and really embellishes the details of the lightly toasted malt. A mild tartness is also present but this is swept off quickly by a wave of moderate bitterness that evokes a flowery earthiness and adds what is almost a spearmint note to the fresh leafy pine that hangs on the palate in a long finish. Very dynamic without losing out on balance. 5/5

Mouthfeel: Light bodied, with a distinctly oily mouthfeel which in combination with the lack of alcoholic heat makes this beer quite easy to drink. In addition, the average carbonation pairs with the minty coolness to lend a distinctly bracing feel. Wonderful, especially in combination with the flavors in the beer. 5/5

Overall: A beer that starts out rich but ends with a light refreshing character, showing great intricacy in every step of the way. The completely sessionable quality of the beer is just the cherry on top. 4.5/5

– – –

‘SKY HIGH RYE’ – ARCADIA – American Pale Ale – 6.00% ABV

Appearance: Poured a moderate orange gold with a three-finger, cream-colored head. There is a fair amount of surprisingly dark, chunky sediment, as well as some moderate to strong carbonation. 3/5

Smell: Strong fruity citric hop presence, featuring lemon peel, grapefruit, and even some fresh pine needles and spiciness. This matches the faint yet sharp rye elements well, along side a hint of pale malts. Well balanced and pleasing, but a little on the straight-forward side. 3.5/5

Taste: A mild sweetness elevates some of the malt flavors more, alongside a moderate tartness which helps define a mild musty, tangy rye bread character which goes pretty well with the bright hop notes. The finish is moderately bitter, which brings out a drier, almost peppery hops. Still, could probably stand to feature more rye. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body, with a slightly slippery, yet quite creamy mouthfeel which is offset by some moderate carbonation and a touch of alcoholic heat on the finish, though this is a little out of proportion to the strength of the beer. 3.5/5

Overall: Straightforward but fairly well-balanced, though the rye character toes the line between subtle and underwhelming. Easy to drink, but not particularly impressive. 3.5/5

– – –

‘BURNING RIVER’ – GREAT LAKES – American Pale Ale – 6.00% ABV

Appearance: Poured a light orange-brown with a one finger, eggshell head. There is no sediment and surprisingly mild carbonation. 3/5

Smell: The floral hop character is fairly pronounced with notes of citrus, especially overripe orange coming through. This combines with a strong peach aroma as well as some other light tropical fruit notes. A mild slightly caramelized malt provides support, with aroma that touches on fresh bread. Very clean and fresh character. 4/5

Taste: Starts with a moderate bitterness which elaborates the hops to include some subtle grapefruit and grassy notes, which couched with a mild to moderate tartness really enhances the fruit. A mild sweetness persists and even becomes more apparent in the finish, where it mingles well with the other notes. Well balanced, with an interesting design, though it even feels like an English IPA in some ways. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body, with just enough carbonation to provide some interesting texture to offset the slick mouthfeel. Slight alcoholic heat, if any. Nice and fresh just like the flavor. 3.5/5

Overall: Has a good balance of interesting hops and other supporting flavors, but somewhat straightforward overall. Good but not exceptional. 3.5/5

– – –

‘SHOALS PALE ALE’ – SMUTTYNOSE – American Pale Ale – 5.60% ABV

Appearance: Poured a deep, slightly opaque reddish-orange with a two finger, orange-tan head. There is only a suggestion of faint fine haziness, but plenty of carbonation. 3.5/5

Smell: Moderate hop presence with grassy leaf, pine and earthy notes, which quickly gives way to a surprisingly strong malt character. This has qualities of rich caramel and toasted nuts, which mixes well with the rustic hay quality of the hops. Faint fruit in the background including orange and overripe apples help bring everything together. A little malt forward for a pale ale, but balanced nonetheless and quite distinctive. 4/5

Taste: Starts with a clean, moderately bitter punch which conjures fresh minerality and pithy lemongrass. This is quickly balanced however by a mild sweetness which toasty caramel malt as well as some austere, yet notable lean tropical fruits. A mild touch of acidity strengthens these, and gives the earthy hop character a bit of funk. The finish becomes fairly dry, with the hops finishing off with some pine needles and even a touch of mineral sulfur. Interesting dynamics at play without losing balance. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body, with a slight oiliness that turns sticky in the finish. Carbonation provides a slight fresh bite along with the initial wave of hop flavors, but doesn’t overpower any of the malt flavors. No alcoholic heat to speak of. 3.5/5

Overall: A unique take on a pale ale that utilizes generous malt (without being too sweet) as well as an ambitious, multi-layered hop profile that keeps the beer compelling throughout the drink. Somewhat of a slow sipper for a lighter ale however. 4/5