3 American Variations on Pale Ale
A trio of pale ales that despite their similar covers, display a diverse range of pale ale flavors.
For starters, the Blue Heron Pale Ale by Mendicino Brewing Co, CA: 6.2% ABV, clear Deep GoldAmber color, hops are Cluster and Cascade with a NW style lightly sweet caramel malt base and a hop boquet that covers the spectrum of spicy, floral, piney, and herbal. A great west coast example.
Next, Rio Blanco Pale Ale by Real Brewing, TX: 5.3% ABV, Amber color, A very European interpretation of a pale ale made in America. Real Brewing Co. uses Czech Saaz hops, a 'noble' hop, that gives this beer a wonderful pilsner lean. The malt base here most likely contains light Munich. Texas has a history of making more traditional beers and it does not surprise me that the Rio Blanco Pale ale has a European influence. It's what the locals like down here.
Savannah and I ended on Torpedo Extra IPA by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, CA: 7.2% ABV, brilliant carnelian color, a glimmering beacon of what an Am. IPA has become from the diehards that demand them, flavorful, strong and bold. This beer utilizes a piece of hardware that Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. calls, the hop-torpedo, or what I would guess to be a hopback. Fresh beer is pushed thru a hopback that is filled with fresh hops (Magnum, Crystal and Citra in this case) striping the cones of their lupulin oil and ending up as that bold, fresh flavor in this IPA.
3 IPAs from around america showing the diversity and enginuity of craft beer in this country. The Rio Blanco was a surprise hit with its use of Czech Saaz hops. It is amazing to me the limitless ways in which brewers interprate a style of beer. Centuries of brewing knowledge re-interpreted for local paletts all across the country, that is what makes the American craft beer scene so exciting. And in the words of my girlfriend Savannah who is racing across West Texas at the moment, we concur "They were all good beers".
Stay Strong, Brew On.
What makes this beer a great companion for the outdoors is it's dangerous drinkability. You're thinking, come on! It is 8.8% and it's a double stout, how can that be drinkable? But Chuck Silva and his team of talented brewers have found a way to bottle the sexiest dark ale I have imbibed in a long time. Put a pint glass in your pack. You will want to pour this one in a glass so you can enjoy the roasty, chocolate notes on the nose and after the first sip, when your vision comes back into focus you will understand what I'm talking about. The silky smooth body on this beer is well deserving of the term sexy. Enjoy. 
