When it comes to the craft beer scene, Torn Label Brewing Co has been making waves, and their Alpha Pale Ale is a solid example of why. This one packs a punch with hop-forward flavors but balances them out with a smooth, drinkable body, making it a great option for both hop lovers and those who prefer something a bit more approachable. Let’s dive into the tasting experience!
First Impressions:
Pouring Alpha Pale Ale into the glass, you’re greeted with a hazy golden-orange hue that just screams “drink me.” A fluffy white head lingers, leaving behind a nice lacing on the glass as you sip. Right off the bat, the aroma is inviting—full of bright citrus, a bit of tropical fruit, and just a hint of pine. It’s not overwhelming, but enough to let you know that this beer means business when it comes to hops.
Taste and Mouthfeel:
As expected from the aroma, the first sip hits you with a wave of citrus…think grapefruit, orange zest, and even a touch of pineapple. These fruity flavors are rounded out by a slightly resinous pine character, giving the beer a subtle earthy undertone. There’s a bit of bitterness here (as you’d hope from a pale ale), but it’s not over the top, making it a great beer to enjoy without palate fatigue.
The malt profile plays more of a supporting role, offering just enough sweetness to balance the hops without taking away from them. You get a light biscuity flavor that pairs well with the bright hop notes. The body is light to medium, with a crisp, clean finish that makes it easy to reach for another sip.
Strengths:
- Aroma: Inviting and full of fresh, juicy citrus notes that are balanced by a piney kick. Not too overpowering but just enough to get your mouth watering.
- Balance: The hop-forward flavor profile is well-balanced with a light malt backbone. It’s bitter without being bracing, which makes it incredibly drinkable for a pale ale.
- Drinkability: At 5.6% ABV, this beer manages to pack in a good amount of flavor without the heaviness of some other hop-heavy brews. You can easily have more than one and still feel refreshed rather than overwhelmed.
Criticisms:
- Bitterness for Some: While the bitterness is mild compared to more intense IPAs, it could still be a bit much for someone who isn’t a hophead. If you’re not a fan of any bitterness, this one might not be for you.
- Malt Depth: The malt backbone, while effective at balancing the hops, could use a bit more complexity. A little more caramel or biscuit character could have rounded things out more, giving it a touch more depth.
Final Thoughts:
Torn Label Alpha Pale Ale is a fantastic, hop-forward pale ale that will satisfy most craft beer enthusiasts, especially those who love a good balance between fruity hops and a clean finish. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and light enough to enjoy several without getting weighed down. While it might not blow the minds of those looking for more complexity or those sensitive to hop bitterness, it’s hard to find much to complain about. This is a beer that’s versatile and perfect for both casual sipping and serious tasting sessions.
Rating:
- Aroma: 8/10
- Flavor: 8.5/10
- Appearance: 7.5/10
- Mouthfeel: 7.5/10
- Overall: 8/10
Would I drink it again? Absolutely. This is the kind of beer that’s perfect for almost any occasion.
If you’ve tried an Alpha Pale Ale, please share your thoughts about it in the comments below.
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