Judge's Review: 92 Rating - Stick's Pale Ale by Bootstrap Brewing

Stick's Pale Ale by Bootstrap Brewing is an American Pale Ale and is being evaluated as such (category 18B of the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines). American Pale Ales (aka APAs) are known for having an almost even balance between hop and malt character; the hop character can range from traditional American craft beer hops to newer American or New World hop varieties. APAs are generally more balanced and less aggressively hopped than American IPAs. Stick's Pale Ale is dry hopped with Mosaic hops.

This APA pours golden in color with good clarity and a medium off-white head. The aroma exhibits a moderate level of mango and generic citrus hop character with a light nutty malt character. The hop flavor is less distinct with generic resin, herbal and citrus flavors. A light nutty malt provides ample background without being too forward or sweet. The body is medium-light providing a refreshing quality. The beer finishes with a prominent hop flavor of piney and resiny hops with a hint of nutty malt lingering in the background.

This APA is well-balanced and quite quaffable (at 5.5% abv). The only aspect that keeps this beer from being exceptional is that the hop character is not quite as bright and clear as many of the classic commercial examples. Regardless, this is a very good beer that should be enjoyed by almost all craft beer aficionados. Cheers!