Petite Pale
Upright Brewing Company

a subtle but brilliant beer here, and while i dont really get a mature orval yeast complexion here, i sure like the nuances in this pale ale, different than so many, more eurpean than american as belgian style pales go, as its not at all over hopped, and those looking for more bitterness, yeast esters, and abv will be disappointed, but its the delicate nature of the flavors coming together here that sets it apart, shows the expertise of the brewer, and has me wanting to drink this all afternoon. its got a little brassy shine to it, a shade darker than i was expecting, but absolutely perfect clarity under an inch if lingering lacy airy white fluff. it smells and tastes pretty mellow, the malt flavoring this as much as anything else, but i do get the mandarina hops in here giving it a little sweet tangerine note before the noble grassy bitterness comes in later on. i also love the yeast, even though it doesnt taste wild like orval does, there might be a tiny bit of brett getting started in here, rustic either way, more of a french saison type than a belgian profile as we typically know them, and the beer is balanced in a cool way, as none of these elements is rushing up to take over, they sort of wait for each other to get going before they jump in, so it unfolds slowly, but rewards the patient drinker handsomely, this is at its most flavorful near room temperature. it has not been the hoppy stuff that has impressed me most from these guys, but despite this being a pale ale of sorts, i wouldnt really describe it as hoppy. that said, its one of their best in this type of style, and another total gem from upright, who can really do no wrong in my eyes right now. i loved this!

On tap at Grain and Gristle.

A clear light yellow with a dense, white head with great retention and lacing, this looks solid. The nose is excellent. A delicate yeasty fruitiness, bright, lemony hops, crisp pils malt and a light pear note. The palate opens crisp, dry and with a great blend of complex fruit and spice that open-fermented beers have, along with a nice grainy, mildly dough-like note. Drying on the finish with a mild hop bitterness, a complex yeast spice and a touch of honey. Excellent.