Sharp's Atlantic Pale Ale
Have I had this before? It looks familiar. That might just mean I have seen it in the shop before though, since I don't remember drinking it.
Details
- Tropical pale ale, 4.2% ABV
- 500ml bottle
From the website:
The Atlantic Ocean, dynamic and constantly moving, possesses an energy which shapes and inspires the way we brew. Atlantic Pale Ale showcases the citrus aromas and flavours of American hops without the intense bitterness sometimes associated with New World pale ales.
Expectations
I'm in need of some refreshment this evening, and a pale ale with some kind of citrus element sounds quite appealing right now. I'm hoping for something light and zingy.
Experience
The colour is a golden amber, with about 10mm of foamy head on top and lots of small bubbles rising through the beer. Maybe the head is blocking it, but I can hardly smell anything at all. If I get my nose really close I can just make out a beer smell, but I don't want to get any closer and inhale the foam.
The taste is bitter, not initially citrusy but then after taking a big gulp I got a blast of lemon. It's not overpowering though, and quite pleasant.
The citrus flavour might be more like grapefruit than lemon, it's quite subtle but it keeps popping in now and then. It makes the beer more interesting than it would have been otherwise.
Verdict
4/5 : I like it. The citrus is there, but it's at the level where I can enjoy it without feeling like I'm drinking drain cleaner.
