Headwater's Pale Ale

Thanks to Jennifer Misewicz for bringing a six pack of this from the Binny's in Plainfield. Tasted with Dan last night after getting back from a run and hitting the mat for some recovery yoga. Served in a snifter.

Appearance: Golden copper that remains quite hazy. The head is hardly present, only to reside as a slight soapy white bubble accumulation around the inner perimeter of the glass. Pretty still looking. Some wet lacing caress' the sides.
Aroma: Citrusy with an undercurrent of bread malt to formulate the malt base. Subtle hints of orange peel as well as and earthy character are present at the nose.
Taste: Faint sweetness at the front of the beer. Earthy at most. The hops present a substantial formulating a dominant character in the second half of the beer. Orange peel with a mild element of lemon. There is an element of sourness at the end in conjunction with the bite of the carbonation. Metallic at places. The end is extremely bitter, but still maintaining a very pale-esk character perhaps utilizing some Summit hops. After having a couple bottles [at a later date] I find the hop flavor resembling lemon pith, while being peppery as well.
Mouthfeel: Micro-bubble carbonation but in a concentrated form leads to the "sour" perception at the finish. Body is light and crisp. Finishes dry and resinous.
Overall Impression: Dry and bitter, but utilizing hops that one wouldn't too often find in most pale ales. The crisp refreshing character is still prominent but with little malt backbone to re-inforce. Nevertheless, it remains quite drinkable and worthy to try.


84/100