Chico Special Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Not pale at all, a rich but clear mahogany with no head to speak of. Fruity and quite forward nose, showcasing the Cascade varietal, which is not as grapefruity as I expected - more herbal and floral, minty and fennel-ish with undercurrents of white wine. On the palate it is potently bitter but not off-puttingly so, with a smooth and bready malt base. Devilishly fruity, full of grapefruit and grape juice, bitter orange, and stewed cherries along with brown sugar. The finish is very bitter and lingering, but a nice, soft mouthfeel keeps this from being too punchy (but maybe that's not such a good thing?). A pleasant beer and a good crash course in Cascades - but not an improvement on the classic original.