Patriot Pale Ale
Northwest Brewhouse and Grill

Appearance – This was very cool-looking. It poured a strange, almost mystical dirty orange-yellow. The head was somewhat modest, though.

Smell – There is a small malty backbone here, but it’s barely noticeable. The resiny hop aroma leads the way. It is full and very sharp. This smells big for a Pale Ale.

Taste – Yes, very big for a Pale Ale. The malt base actually picks things up, so much so that it handily supports the huge hop profile. I can pick up a bit of citrus and maybe some floral hopping, but the big pine flavor here carries the day. Bear Creek is known for their complex flavor profiles, and this one has a lot going on in it.

Mouthfeel – Flawlessly smooth and fairly large for the style. I’d say it is a solid medium if not a notch or two above, but short of full. There are also a few bitter notes to this bone dry offering.

Drinkability – Another huge hit by Bear Creek. This is a classic PacNW hoppy session ale.

Comments – The brewmaster definitely has a “signature” on his hop-based ales. This would be easily recognizable in a blind taste test as belonging to the Bear Creek family. The hops are huge, the malt is just as forceful (surprisingly so), the flavors complex and very well-blended, and the beers just look gorgeous. Congrats!