Rating: 4.2/5
Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale is one of those beers that perfectly captures the essence of a classic American pale ale. It’s been around for years, and for good reason—it’s a smooth, reliable brew that balances flavor and drinkability.
Appearance: 4.5/5
Pouring Mirror Pond gives you a beautiful, clear copper color with a fluffy, off-white head that sticks around for a bit. It’s an inviting beer right from the get-go, with a nice lacing on the glass as you drink.
Aroma: 4/5
The aroma is pretty classic for a pale ale. There’s a nice burst of floral and citrus notes, especially grapefruit and maybe a little orange peel. You can also pick up a touch of pine from the hops, but it’s not overpowering. If you like hop-forward beers, this will definitely pique your interest without going into full IPA territory.
Taste: 4.3/5
Flavor-wise, Mirror Pond delivers a satisfying mix of malts and hops. The malt brings a biscuity, slightly caramel backbone that complements the bright, citrusy hop bitterness. It’s balanced, which makes it an easy drinker. The bitterness is present, but not aggressive—think more on the mellow side. There’s a pleasant aftertaste with a slight piney linger that invites you to take another sip.
Mouthfeel: 4/5
The mouthfeel is smooth and medium-bodied, with just the right amount of carbonation to keep things refreshing without feeling too fizzy. It’s not watery, but it’s also not as thick as some other pale ales out there, which adds to its easy drinkability.
Drinkability: 4.5/5
Mirror Pond is one of those beers that you can enjoy in almost any situation. It’s flavorful enough to satisfy beer nerds, but not so complex that casual drinkers would find it intimidating. It’s a great pick for backyard BBQs, game day, or just a relaxing evening.
Negatives
If there’s any downside to Mirror Pond, it’s that some craft beer enthusiasts might find it a little too safe. In a market where hops are often cranked up to 11, Mirror Pond doesn’t push boundaries. It’s more of a steady, classic brew, which might not satisfy someone looking for a bigger hop punch or more unique flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale is a classic for a reason. It’s got all the right notes for a pale ale—citrus, pine, balanced malts—but keeps everything in check to create a smooth, highly drinkable beer. It’s the kind of beer you can always come back to, especially if you want something reliable that won’t overpower your palate. Sure, it’s not the most experimental brew, but sometimes, you just want a solid, no-frills pale ale, and Mirror Pond delivers exactly that.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. Whether you’re new to craft beer or a seasoned hophead, there’s something to appreciate in Mirror Pond’s well-crafted simplicity. It might not knock your socks off with bold innovation, but sometimes, that’s just what you’re looking for in a good, sessionable beer.
If you’ve tried a Mirror Pond, give us your thoughts in the comments below.