jds
Well-Known Member
I had the opportinuty to swap some beers with BigKahuna. Since Charles did me the favor of posting a real critique on one of my beers, I thought I'd attempt in my small way to do the same.
Prior warning: I am not a BJCP judge, and I didn't even stay at Holiday Inn Express last night. All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed. What I like in a pale ale is a beer that showcases the hops, but strikes a balance with the malt to produce a fairly crisp, refreshing beer.
Aroma: Some light floral and citrus notes. Understated, but no evidence of yeasty or off aromas. I'd really love a bit more aroma from this Pale Ale. (8/12)
Appearance: The beer pours a slightly hazy, amber-gold color. The head was smallish (less than a finger in a pint glass), and dissipated quickly with little to no lacing. If I were brewing this, I'd want better head retention and a bit more carbonation. (2/3)
Flavor: Very clean flavor, with no real off flavors to distract from the malt and hops. Now, I'm personally not the biggest Cascades fan, but this beer shows off the big C in its citrusy, back-of-the-mouth bittering best. The flavor is very dry, with no residual malt sweetness. A little unbalanced for my tastes, but not in any way bad. (15/20)
Mouthfeel: The beer is very dry, with the crisp, refreshing, light mouthfeel I look for in a Pale Ale. It's spot-on for a Pale ale. (5/5)
Overall Impression: This is a nice Pale Ale. I enjoyed both bottles that Charles gave me, and would have had more, if I'd had more. If I had to point out places where I think it could be better, I'd ask for a touch more carbonation and head retention. Also, I'd really love a bit more hop aroma, and perhaps a yeast with a somewhat less neutral flavor profile. A touch of fruitiness would really complete the signature Cascades bitterness. (8/10)
Total: 38/45
Prior warning: I am not a BJCP judge, and I didn't even stay at Holiday Inn Express last night. All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed. What I like in a pale ale is a beer that showcases the hops, but strikes a balance with the malt to produce a fairly crisp, refreshing beer.
Aroma: Some light floral and citrus notes. Understated, but no evidence of yeasty or off aromas. I'd really love a bit more aroma from this Pale Ale. (8/12)
Appearance: The beer pours a slightly hazy, amber-gold color. The head was smallish (less than a finger in a pint glass), and dissipated quickly with little to no lacing. If I were brewing this, I'd want better head retention and a bit more carbonation. (2/3)
Flavor: Very clean flavor, with no real off flavors to distract from the malt and hops. Now, I'm personally not the biggest Cascades fan, but this beer shows off the big C in its citrusy, back-of-the-mouth bittering best. The flavor is very dry, with no residual malt sweetness. A little unbalanced for my tastes, but not in any way bad. (15/20)
Mouthfeel: The beer is very dry, with the crisp, refreshing, light mouthfeel I look for in a Pale Ale. It's spot-on for a Pale ale. (5/5)
Overall Impression: This is a nice Pale Ale. I enjoyed both bottles that Charles gave me, and would have had more, if I'd had more. If I had to point out places where I think it could be better, I'd ask for a touch more carbonation and head retention. Also, I'd really love a bit more hop aroma, and perhaps a yeast with a somewhat less neutral flavor profile. A touch of fruitiness would really complete the signature Cascades bitterness. (8/10)
Total: 38/45
