Tag Archives: pale ale

WHITBREAD TRADITIONAL PALE ALE

Established in 1742, Samuel Whitbread’s captivating bitter features malted barley sweetness, moderate hop bittering, and sharp grained backbone.  Not far removed from a light brown ale, this ‘traditional pale ale’ now gets bottled by Boston Beer Company in Cincinnati for American consumption. Expert guzzlers may notice loss of character or lower flavor profile if familiar with original version. Sourdough informs dry Scotch-malted cocoa-fig-pecan cluster and minor grape tease, but phenol hops coarsen dirty-watered astringency, abating further investigation. Better to imbibe Bass Pale Ale instead.

CASTA BRUNA

Dark ruby hue counters light-bodied appeal and soft carbolic fizz of middling pale ale. Pallid barley-roasted mocha entry enhanced by caramel-candied cherry souring, mild chestnut ridge, and resin-hopped herbal twinge. Too meek to compete with better stylistic competitors. Simplicity is its saving grace.