Top Dog Extra Pale
Lucky Labrador Brewing Company

Another good beer from Lucky Lab who have yet to disappoint me. This beer is poured from a 1/2 gallon growler that was filled not moments ago at the brewpub. It pours a healthy pilsner brass, somewhat paler than traditional pale ales but close to some New World examples such as Full Sail. The head rises high and leaves delirious Pollockesque lacing. Aroma is primarily of hops, in an unusual way; evocative of cannabis and lemon. The malts are laid back, not very sweet, with some raw grain elements that are the sole shortcoming of this beer. Hops quickly take charge and leave flavors of lemon, herbs, and grasses etched firmly into the tongue. Mouthfeel is soft and cushiony, with a slight jagged fizz to keep you alert. Drinkability equally good, although this is not as compulsively addictive as Lucky Lab's fine Got Hops? beer. A hoppy ale, not quite an IPA, and a bit more forceful than your standard pale; Extra Pale Ale is a good designation for this beer. I understand Top Dog is connected in some way with Erik Sten's campaign for City Council, but I like to keep my politics separate from my beer as much as possible.