Schlafly American Pale Ale

This is the beer that really made me hate IPA's and wonder why anyone could like them while I avoided them at all costs in the beginning of my logging back in March. The only not I see in the Journal is "Try again when you develop taste....BITCH!" Anyways I got straight to tasting this one upon coming home after a grueling practice totaling 7600 meters of repeats.

Appearance: Strong foam character right out of the bottle, resorting to some waiting time to pour the rest as the foam settled into the pint glass. Both white and well maintained, this straw colored amber beer had some visible carbonation to accompany its rather clear appearance.

Aroma: Subtly malting with a big grassy after kick. Intertwined in there was brief hints of grapefruit and citrus.
Taste: Initially quite bitter and resinous, but was paralleled with an equally strong hop spice character and pale malt complexity. A pine taste develops as the tasting goes on, along with citrus undertones.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and coats the tongue as it finishes down the throat with a perfect carbonation.
Overall Impression: This is a well balanced APA falling under the umbrella of typical, and lighter side if considered a relative of an IPA. It's interesting to see how far my tastes have come since only 6 months ago.


3/29/10 T1: 69/100
10/5/10 T2: 83/100