Four Peaks Pitchfork Pale Ale

LOC: Tempe, Arizona ABV: 5.9% | IBUS: 30 | SRM: 12

What the brewer says

“Our take on the classic American-style pale ale. To enhance the hops flavor and aroma while smoothing out the bitterness, we used a technique called hop bursting where the vast majority of the hops are added in the last 10 minutes of the boil. Melon, Mandarina, and Eureka hops varieties impart flavors and aromas of fresh melon, orange, and pine.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Smooth piney and fruity blend (orange, strawberry, blueberry) of strong American hops on top of a supportive classic pale-malt bill exhibiting a fair bit of toast and caramel. Clean but not over the top.” Flavor: “Well-balanced malt sweetness and hops bitterness. Bready malt notes. Hops are citrus and berry in nature with some fun lingering esters. Finishes fairly dry, given the caramelized malts.” Overall: “Classic and middle-ofthe road throwback pale ale. Great American-style hops presence. The hop flavors and aromas are enjoyable, as are the balance and mix of flavors.”

AROMA: 11 APPEARANCE: 3 FLAVOR: 19 MOUTHFEEL: 4 OVERALL: 9 92