Sweetwater Brewing’s (Atlanta, Georgia) 420 Extra Pale Ale has earned its place as a go-to craft beer for many over the years. It’s one of those beers that you’ll find in coolers at BBQs, tailgates, and bars across the Southeast. But what is it that keeps people coming back to it? Let’s dive in and see what makes this classic so popular.
First Impressions
First off, this beer pours a light golden amber with a nice, frothy white head that sticks around for a bit. The clarity is impressive. It’s bright and clear, giving it a crisp, clean look that’s inviting. As soon as you bring the glass up to your nose, you’re hit with a wave of floral, piney hops. There’s also a subtle citrus note, leaning more towards lemon and grapefruit zest, which adds a bright freshness to the aroma.
Taste
On the palate, 420 Extra Pale Ale is all about balance. It’s not too hoppy, not too malty…just a really well-balanced pale ale. The hops come through with a nice, clean bitterness that’s prominent but not overwhelming. You get a bit of pine and herbal flavors upfront, followed by a subtle citrusy tang that keeps things light and refreshing. The malt character is more of a background player here, but it brings a mild biscuity sweetness that helps mellow out the hops.
The finish is crisp and dry, with just a hint of lingering bitterness. It’s the kind of beer that leaves you wanting another sip, which makes it perfect for those days when you’re hanging out and not looking for anything too heavy or intense.
Mouthfeel and Drinkability
At 5.7% ABV, 420 Extra Pale Ale is definitely sessionable, and the mouthfeel reflects that. It’s light to medium-bodied with a lively carbonation that adds to its refreshing quality. There’s nothing overly complex here, but that’s part of what makes it such an easy drinker. It’s smooth, clean, and perfect for situations where you want something flavorful but not overwhelming.
The drinkability is one of 420’s strongest points. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or someone new to the scene, this beer is approachable for all types of drinkers. It’s versatile, so you can enjoy it solo or pair it with a wide range of foods, from pizza to grilled meats.
Critiques
As much as I enjoy 420 Extra Pale Ale, it’s not without a couple of downsides. For one, while the hops are pleasant, they’re not particularly bold or memorable. If you’re a hophead looking for something with a punch, you might find 420 a bit on the mild side. The hop profile is more subdued compared to a lot of other pale ales on the market today, which makes it great for casual drinking but perhaps not for someone seeking a more intense, complex brew.
Additionally, the malt backbone could use a bit more character. The biscuity notes are there, but they don’t stand out much, leaving the beer feeling slightly one dimensional. It works for the easy drinking nature of the beer, but if you’re hoping for a fuller, richer malt profile, you might feel a little underwhelmed.
Final Verdict
Sweetwater’s 420 Extra Pale Ale is a solid, reliable pale ale that’s earned its popularity for a reason. It’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect for when you want a flavorful beer that won’t bog you down. While it might not blow you away with bold hop or malt complexities, it’s exactly the kind of beer you reach for when you’re hanging out with friends or need something to pair with food.
Rating
- Appearance: 8.5/10
- Aroma: 8/10
- Taste: 7.5/10
- Mouthfeel: 8/10
- Overall: 8/10
If you’re looking for a pale ale that’s easy-drinking and versatile, 420 Extra Pale Ale is a great option. It’s a dependable crowd pleaser, even if it doesn’t push the boundaries of what a pale ale can be. Perfect for casual sipping, and it won’t let you down!
If you’ve tried the 420 XPA, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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