Half-Pipe Tart Pale Ale

This Tart Pale Ale pours a hazy gold color with a modest, sponge-like head above, which is sustained by constantly released carbonation. Once poured, an aroma of light and neutral malt sweetness hides behind a veil of medium-light lactic sourness blended with wisps of lemon, grapefruit and a grassy hop character. The flavor consists of a clean lactic sourness of moderate-high intensity and is the most prominent element in the flavor profile. The sourness dominates a fairly clean moderate malt sweetness with touches of caramel. Low neutral hop bitterness and sourness balances well with the malt. Hop flavors consisting of sweet tangerine and bitter grapefruit with light, grassy, dry hop notes linger for a short time before turning into a sweet, malty finish. The beer has a medium body with ample carbonation. The lingering sour notes after the swallow are salacious and entice the drinker to want the next sip. This beer is an interesting play on mixture of styles, but the sourness perhaps overshadows malt and hop complexities. Regardless, this beer is still very approachable, enjoyable and is worth checking out as something that both lovers of hops and lovers of sourness can appreciate. This beer will pair well with any dish consisting of rich meats or cheeses as the acidity of this beer will help cut through heavier flavors.