Platte River Pale Ale
Wonder Bar (Wyoming State Brewing Company)

Had this on tap at the Brewpub in Casper, Wyoming

APPEARANCE: Deep copper and opaque, but not hazy. There was not a whole lot of head or lacing, a bit unusual for a Pale Ale.

SMELL: The nose was lacking, but a faint hop and malty aroma came through.

TASTE: This is a malt-forward beer and on the sweet side, but still has enough dry hops to balance it out with a dryer finish. Not bad.

MOUTHFEEL: Lightly carbonated and on the oily side, especially for a Pale Ale.

OVERALL: For a tiny brewery in the middle of Wyoming, this is not a bad beer. Next time I'm in Casper I'll grab another pint, but I probably won't go hunting it down.

Poured from Growler a pale gold with a medium sized head of foam that dissipated fairly quickly leaving a fine ring around the edge of my glass. I also note that the carbonation level is on the lower end of the spectrum and that's not been an issue with me as long as the brew is tasty. ;^)

The smell is pretty subtle but there's some hoppiness to it.

The taste is a citrusy hoppy up front but it's almost immediately followed by malty, biscuity notes that tame the bitterness down a bit but only just. The finish brings back the bitterness with a piney flavour that makes for a very pleasing and long lasting aftertaste. Good stuff.

Bottom line: I've tasted quite a few American Pale Ales and have enjoyed the vast majority of them. To have *this* one brewed locally and available on tap and in growlers makes me proud. If you're passing through Casper Wyoming, give it a try!