Tag: Pale Ale

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DESCHUTES NEW BEERS ARE GOOD MATCHES FOR SUMMER’S FOODS


Twilight Summer Ale is ideal for the warm weather. In the style of a Pale Ale it is fairly strong with hoppy bitterness (provided by whole flower Amarillo, Northern Brewer, Cascade, Tettnang, and Brambling Cross hops), which provides a refreshing citrus, slightly spicy aroma. This is nicely complimented by Cara Pils and Carastan malts, which add roundness, softening the hoppy edges. This crisp bottle of sunshine, with its modest 5.0% ABV, will serve you well while watching a baseball or as a counterpoint to barbecue.

Hop in the Dark Cascadian Dark Ale is a whole other style of beer. A Black IPA, this brew ups the ante with both the hops (mostly Citra) and the malt (mostly Munich, oat and crystal). After the startlingly deep color, rich, nutty citrusy and slightly sweet aromas delight the senses. In the mouth, the maltiness asserts itself with a touch of roasted and coffee notes. The beer finishes with hints of chocolate and refreshing citrusy hoppiness. Although twice the IBU (international bittering units of the Twilight, Hop in the Dark’s bitterness is only apparent, as it is balance with the strong dark malts. 6.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

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WORTHY NEW SEASONAL BEER FROM DESCHUTES

Once in a while, this wine guy gets an opportunity to sample new craft beer releases. I’m happy to have one now to recommend: Red Chair NWPA (Northwest Pale Ale), the new seasonal beer from Deschutes Brewery of Bend, Oregon.

Deschutes says Red Chair (6.2% ABV) is named after the oldest operating lift at Mt. Bachelor. They call it their debut Northwest Pale Ale, though not unlike the last year’s Red Chair IPA. I never tasted the IPA; so, I’ll take their word for it.

This one sits in the glass with a copper color and a loosely foamy head. As I sniff, I pick up hints of citrus, bread, caramel, and herbal lemongrass. Sipping reveals more toast and citrus. Dry, bitter hops emerge but don’t overpower. A malty counterpoint asserts itself then gives way to more hops in the finish.

I relate to it as a cross between an IPA and an American pale ale. It is medium bodied and well balanced, with a hoppy personality moderated by malty qualities. I’m told Red Chair began as an experimental beer to test new hops and hopping techniques. Additionally, seven European and domestic malts are key to the formula. The success of the experiment shows in the final product.

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised Red Chair cleaned house the World Beer Awards. The brew will be available from January until April in six- and twelve-packs and on draft throughout the 16 states where Deschutes beer is distributed.