Ha, Ha – very nearly a true session beer made by an American brewer – NEARLY! Thanks go out to DogBrick for the chance to sample this 12 oz offering.
Pour has a somewhat uninspired color (a hazed, light brown/orange) but better than expected head, retention and lace. Quite sticky and more in line with a higher ABV IPA.
Nose and tastes are in the English style, but both are less fruity and drier than one would expect. There isn’t really the depth of biscuit malt that would would normally associate with a true English Pale and that takes away some character for me. The dry character builds and this beer does not have the malts that are really needed. Conversely it has a pretty low hop profile too, and the combination makes it a touch too light for the style in terms of flavor; the depth is just not there. There is a very light (almost diet) grapefruit in the back end.
On the plus side very drinkable and hit has a clean edge that makes it drinkable if a touch light in the mouth.
Not a great example of the style, but these days if get a beer less than 5% from an American brewery I feel somewhat happy, anyway!