Boise Pale
10 Barrel Brewing Co.

this is about as basic as a pale ale recipe gets it seems to me, pale two row barley, american ale yeast, a classic C type hop profile, moderate bitterness, body, and dryness, and just a very tidy beer overall, minimal as they come, but definitely better than its ratings, at least from a technical standpoint, there isnt much to it, but its well made. golden and clear in the glass, maybe a pinch of a crystal malt here giving it a lightly brassy tone. average white head from the tap at the brewery. aroma is more bitter than expected for a pale, light pine in there too, but higher alpha for sure, pushing that ipa intensity range to me, some bitter citrus there as well, very fresh all the way through. i am surprised at the high degree of bitterness in the taste, more bitter than flavorful even on the hop side, as such not as approachable or drinkable for some as i usually think a pale ale should be, but i do not at all dislike it. just some faint sweetness from the grain and a medium body as well, some bite starting right after the center of this, grapefruit and spruce at the end, behind the bitterness, and a hop oily slickness for a second on the feel. overall probably a little more robust than a lot of drinkers are looking for in the style, but i appreciated its robustness, simple as it is. basic level beer from an ingredient and hop profile standpoint, but as with almost all 10 barrel stuff, the execution is there.

On tap at the brewpub in Boise.
Clear amber body with a fine head and lacing.
Aroma is normal or strength for style, and hoppy.
Flavor is bitter and bold for style, with a piney and earthy character. Lingering aftertaste.

2.5

Good. Easy to drink. Nice and mellow bite

 

Part of a flight from Boise location. Pale golden in color, with essence of hay, meadow, grass. Grains and malt dominate with an almost tendency to be on the edge of sour taste. Medium weight body, slick mouth feel. Interesting ale in this mix, not sure what it is trying to be.