Buffalo Gold

A Rocky Mountain standard, Buffalo Gold is a pale, straw-colored ale boasting a substantial, creamy-white head that lasts and lasts. Aromas are generally subdued, as expected for the style, and are dominated by bready malt, peppery spice and a prominent buttery note. Rick observed a distinct fresh-churned, sweet and creamy butter note in the nose, and Pete commented on the subtle lemongrass hop notes. Grainy, sweet, biscuit-like malt flavors are right out front, yet the gentle hop bitterness managed to balance out the sweetness. The judges noted that this beer lacked some of the crispness expected in a golden ale, and Tim detected some mildly off-putting tannic astringency. Tom offered praise for the faint whiff of vanilla and hints of lavender on the palate, while Lee picked up on some sulfur notes that were somewhat out of place in a golden ale. The judges unanimously commented on the complexity of this beer’s flavors, while noting that that complexity was not necessarily apropos of the style. Buffalo Gold sits solidly among the profusion of excellent golden and blonde ales produced throughout the country. This is a quaffable brew, perfect to unwind with after a long trail ride.