It wasn't too long ago that I'd scoff at pale ale when an IPA was within reach. The mere idea of drinking something that wasn't pushed to the limit with hops was hard for me to swallow. Nowadays I can appreciate a well-balanced British style pale ale much more than during my extreme hop head days (which I still relapse into...see Big A IPA review) so I've decided to give this one my full unbiased attention.Pours a light auburn color with a big fluffy head that hugs the rim of the glass very tightly. The clarity of this beer is very nice and the bubbles that float to the head make it a really good looking pour.
Smell is fresh malty, hop crispness, grass, hay and some earthy tones. Its smells a bit like bread dough that is rising in a bakery.
Taste is actually quite hoppy with some astringency from the malt. This one does have some wheat in it so maybe that is where that comes from? Not a lot of aftertaste or bitter notes like in the IPA, the finish is actually more of malty sweetness than hoppy bitterness. Pretty tasty stuff!
You'll want to give this beer a chance to warm up a bit and breathe in the glass. It will bring out a lot more taste and smell. This is also a great candidate for a cask...
BEER FACTS
Name: Shoals Pale Ale
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Company
Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA
Container: 12 oz. bottle
Malts: Pale Brewers, Crystal 60°L, Carastan & Wheat
Hops: Cascade & Chinook
ABV: 5%
IBUs: 30
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