Indecisive Old World pale ale with soft water flow brings mossy ESB-like earthiness to moderate IPA-derived citric bittering, saison-inspired sour fruiting, herbal hop snip and nutty respite (flattening out over time). Recessive sour orange marinade contrasts peachy navel orange sweetness and light biscuit-y pilsner malting provides delicate base.
Sunny citrus-spiced elation glows from simple sessionable summertime suds. Lemony yellow grapefruit bittering and soft pine needling receive sharp hop-oiled astringency above biscuity cracker spine. Brisk citric-pined pale ale not far removed from effective India Pale Ale styling.
On tap at Ambulance, mild-mannered pale ale spreads aromatic citric-pined Cascade hop bittering across the floral tropicality of New Zealand’s Motueka hop sedation. Cologne-perfumed citrus fruiting maintains crispness as dry lemon-seeded grapefruit rind bite lingers. Wispy mango, passionfruit and guava undertones could be pushed forward.
Not far removed from brewers’ summer ale with its brisk fresh-watered pilsner malting and carbolic citrus spritz. Subtle honey influence and light floral snips backup sunny citric sedation to its white wheat spine.
Brusque English pale ale (a.k.a. Over-The-Rhine) could be mistaken for a strong German-styled lager with its musk-grained pilsner malt pungency, toasted barley crisping and nutty Fuggle hop astringency. Sharp finish picks up light citric appeal.
On tap at Ambulance, snarky cannibas lupulined crew, ‘The Hop Collective’ (a.k.a. THC), puts forth soft-tongued citric spiced moderation. Hemp-oiled piney hops softly persuade grapefruit, orange and pineapple bittering that contrasts honeyed cara-pils malting (and syrupy peach sweetness) of brisk tropical fruited sedation.
On tap at Burger Loft, souped-up medium-bodied pale ale brings perfumed tropical fruiting to the fore above biscuity caramel malting. Bitter grapefruit rind and orange peel tang provides India Pale Ale likeness (minus the piney resin). Mango, passionfruit, papaya and guava illusions circulate below.
There ain’t much here, but what’s here’s pretty good. Sour citrus tartness receives crystallized candied ginger and Louisiana cane syrup sugaring, though with little resolve. Dry orange-peeled yellow grapefruit tang fades too quickly and the honeyed spine falters. Still…
In homage to District of Columbia becoming the 51st state, intriguingly aggressive, yet crisply clean, highbrow pale ale (in a can) brings spirited floral-perfumed citrus briskness, essential herbal hop oiling and wafting botanical flowers to resinous pine-needled bittering. Fresh spruce, skunky sativa and sagebrush illusions awaken lemony grapefruit-peeled orange rind sharpness as well as tropical peach, pineapple, mango and papaya sweetness above the caramelized Vienna malt base. Astoundingly complex.
On tap at Ambulance, ‘botanical’ medium-bodied pale ale with subtle juniper berry adjunct sweetens over light caramel roast. Raw-honeyed astringency, reedy Amarillo hop bittering and soft herbal whim provide backup.
Pioneering local grunge label, Sub Pop, celebrated with sessionable tropical-fruited medium body. A centrist delight, its brisk orange rind, yellow grapefruit, mango and lemon tang picks up caramel malt sugaring as well as refreshing floral notion above doughy white breading. Candied citrus tartness gains bitter edge by crisp finish.
Updated 2015 ‘American’ version allows refreshingly crisp citric hop spicing and grassy herbage to ride above cracker-salted pale malting. Alkaline astringency may be a bit much for lighter thirsts, but tangy grapefruit, orange, tangerine, pineapple and mango thrust as well as zesty lemon briskness, mild lemongrass minting and resinous pine twinge ultimately overcome any acidic alcohol burn.
