Pale Ale
Empyrean Brewing Company

 

Served in a frozen glass, totally unacceptable! After I wiped away the frost I could see a coppery- gold beer with an amber highlight. Clear. There was an off-white head; at the apex the foam was a well-placed one finger in height. Good head retention, it slowly faded to a soapy cap. The subsequent lacing looked like tattered wallpaper. I am impressed with the appearance of this beer… it might have been perfect if not for the damn frosted glass.

I froze my nose on the first sniff. It smelled like a freezer. All I could find was some weak caramel, a smattering of earthy but juicy hops. I’m not waiting for this beer to warm up. This is a “brewpub” and this is how Empyrean wanted to present their beer to the public. Screw babysitting it. Low potency. Overall, it says next to nothing.

The palate, even cold, is very tasty. What a freaking shame that this beer couldn’t have been served “warmer.” The first sips say, “EPA.” I like it. There are dry, caramel malts with a kiss of biscuit. Honey. Wildflowers. I’m digging the mild but fitting bitterness. There are traces of juicy, woody-earthy hops and a hint of citrus zest. Bravo! This is a well-constructed little brew here. On cask, I bet, this beer would be killer. Serial killer. Fairly long aftertaste, juicy malty sweetness and secondary but refreshing bitterness. Well-balanced. This is a very tasty beer.

Medium in body, low but natural carbonation, the mouthfeel is pleasant and it fits this beer well.

This is a tasty and likeable, thus it is very damn drinkable beer. It is a good EPA, one of the better domestic versions I’ve had. Now, serve it at a proper temperature and I’m coming back for more. Lots more. No matter my beef with the temperature this is a lovely quaff. Try one. Just ask for a non-frosted glass. I sampled this on-tap at Lazlo’s in the Haymarket.