Nebraska Brewing Company’s Cardinal Pale Ale is a distinguished American Pale Ale that has garnered numerous accolades over the years. Notably, it secured the Gold Medal in the English Pale category at the 2014 European Beer Star awards and was recognized as the National Grand Champion in the Pale Ale category by the United States Beer Tasting Championship in both 2011 and 2014.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pours a clear golden hue with a frothy white head that exhibits good retention.
Aroma: The nose is greeted with prominent floral and citrus notes, a testament to the generous dry hopping with Cascade hops.
Taste: On the palate, a mild bitterness is balanced by subtle malt sweetness, leading to flavors of grapefruit and a hint of pine.
Mouthfeel: Light to medium bodied with moderate carbonation, offering a crisp and refreshing finish.
Rating: 4.0/5
Food Pairings: This versatile ale complements American cuisine, mild spices, BBQ dishes, steaks, and hamburgers.
Interesting Beginnings
The inception of Cardinal Pale Ale is rooted in a serendipitous brewing mishap. In 2005, founder Paul Kavulak, frustrated with a batch that didn’t meet his expectations, impulsively added an entire bag of Cascade leaf hops into the fermenter. Two weeks later, he discovered that this bold move resulted in the vibrant aromas and flavors that define the beer today.
In conclusion, Cardinal Pale Ale stands as a testament to Nebraska Brewing Company’s dedication to crafting exceptional beers. Its harmonious blend of floral and citrus hop character, with a balanced malt back bone, makes it a great beer for both pale ale enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
If you’ve tried Nebraska Brewing Co’s Cardinal Pale Ale, please let us know what you thought about it in the comments section below.
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