Sweetwater Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia) has thrown a curve ball with their Extra Chill Cold Pale Ale, and I couldn’t resist diving in to see what the hype was about. This brew takes a classic pale ale and gives it a modern, refreshing twist, and while it mostly delivers, there are a few quirks worth noting. Here’s the lowdown:
First Impressions
Right out of the can, you’re greeted with a crisp, clear pour that leans more toward a lager-like clarity than the hazy ales we’ve been bombarded with lately. The golden hue sparkles in the light, topped with a fluffy, white head that dissipates slowly but leaves a nice lacing. It looks super inviting, and honestly, the presentation feels like it’s saying, “Hey, I’m easy to love.”
Tasting Notes
On the first sip, refreshing is the name of the game. You’re hit with a bright and clean malt base that’s well balanced, with a slightly bready backbone. This is paired with citrusy hops that bring notes of lemon zest and a hint of grapefruit pith. There’s also a subtle herbal edge, almost minty, which might be where that “Extra Chill” vibe comes from.
The bitterness is modest, more of a gentle nudge than a full slap, which makes it super approachable. That said, it’s not as bold or hop-forward as some craft beer enthusiasts might expect from a pale ale. Personally, I’d have liked just a touch more oomph in the hop profile to round things out.
The Good Stuff
- Drinkability: This is a total crowd pleaser. Perfect for a hot day, BBQs, or when you just want something that doesn’t demand too much of your palate.
- Balance: Sweetwater nailed the balance between the malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Nothing feels out of whack here.
- Finish: The finish is crisp and clean, with just enough bitterness to leave you reaching for another sip.
The Not So Good Stuff
- Body: While the beer is undeniably smooth, the body is a little thin. It leans so heavily on the “refreshing” side that it might feel too light for those craving a more robust pale ale experience.
- Complexity: If you’re looking for layers upon layers of flavor, this might fall short. It’s simple (delightfully so) but it lacks that “wow” factor that could elevate it from good to great.
Ratings
- Appearance: 9/10
- Aroma: 7.5/10 (Pleasant but a bit muted.)
- Taste: 8/10
- Mouthfeel: 7/10
- Overall: 8/10
Final Thoughts
Sweetwater Extra Chill Cold Pale Ale is a fantastic choice when you want something easy-drinking, sessionable, and versatile. It’s not going to knock you off your feet with bold flavors, but it’s not trying to. This is a beer for relaxed vibe…a perfect match for its “Extra Chill” branding. While it could benefit from a touch more depth and body, it’s hard to complain when you’re kicking back with one of these in hand. Definitely worth a try for pale ale fans who value refreshment over intensity.
If you’ve tried a Sweetwater Extra Chill, please let us know what you thought about it in the comments below.
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