Stump Knocker Pale Ale | Swamp Head Brewery
Brewed by:
Swamp Head Brewery
Florida, United States
swamphead.com
Style: American Pale Ale (APA)
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.50%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by drabmuh on 12-28-2009
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 32 | Ratings: 201
3.62/5 rDev -9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: The beer is hazy yellowish amber in color. The can nearly exploded when it opened, producing lots of foam on the top of the can and when poured into the glass, leaving a two finger high off white head. The head has excellent retention properties and consistently left a short head covering the surface and lots of lacing down the sides of the glass.
S: Moderate aromas of caramel malts are present in the nose.
T: Similar to the smell, the taste is dominated by flavors of caramel malts and has hints of piney hops. The hops only lend a slight amount of bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate to high amount of carbonation. No crispness is perceptible.
O: This beer has a nice appearance and malt body, but seems somewhat lacking in hops.
Serving type: can
★ 795 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: The beer is hazy yellowish amber in color. The can nearly exploded when it opened, producing lots of foam on the top of the can and when poured into the glass, leaving a two finger high off white head. The head has excellent retention properties and consistently left a short head covering the surface and lots of lacing down the sides of the glass.
S: Moderate aromas of caramel malts are present in the nose.
T: Similar to the smell, the taste is dominated by flavors of caramel malts and has hints of piney hops. The hops only lend a slight amount of bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate to high amount of carbonation. No crispness is perceptible.
O: This beer has a nice appearance and malt body, but seems somewhat lacking in hops.
Serving type: can
★ 795 characters
2.01/5 rDev -49.5%
look: 2.25 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2.5
Poured into a pint glass from a can.
Hazy amber color, with quickly dissipating head.
Not much aroma. Mostly grains & a slight funk I can't place.
Fizzy, almost dry mouthfeel.
Taste is dominated by alcohol up front, followed by some semi-sweet grains, then an unpleasnt sourness.
This was a lot better last year. Seems that with their expansion, they're focusing more on quantity rather than quality.
Hopefully after they're more settled, the quality will return.
★ 468 characters
look: 2.25 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2.5
Poured into a pint glass from a can.
Hazy amber color, with quickly dissipating head.
Not much aroma. Mostly grains & a slight funk I can't place.
Fizzy, almost dry mouthfeel.
Taste is dominated by alcohol up front, followed by some semi-sweet grains, then an unpleasnt sourness.
This was a lot better last year. Seems that with their expansion, they're focusing more on quantity rather than quality.
Hopefully after they're more settled, the quality will return.
★ 468 characters
3.79/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Pours cloudy golden honey with off white head, smell is not too strong but piney hoppy resiny dank even, tastes of piney hops that last until the end, creamy mouthfeel smooth borderline thin.
★ 191 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Pours cloudy golden honey with off white head, smell is not too strong but piney hoppy resiny dank even, tastes of piney hops that last until the end, creamy mouthfeel smooth borderline thin.
★ 191 characters
2/5 rDev -49.7%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
Had this on tap at Neon Leon's & i'm wondering,from the reviews here,if the bartender poured the wrong beer...it was not not great...not even "good"...kinda flat & didn't even resemble an ale to me...very good??? maybe okay,but not good or even close to very good...hmmm (the sound made when one is attempting to sound reassuring yet non-commital)...but whatever...this was actually the first "micro brew" i had while in Florida this year...my brother in law had one too & he also,did not grok...I was also there w/my brother Jake too, but he had some "girly-drink",as he called it...he was the smart one! Since there were no more local beers available there,my next drink that night was the same thing my sister started the night with: a Bloody Mary & it was just okay...anyway,at least the oysters and company were good that night...& a BIG SUPER thanx to Joe for buying! cheers.
★ 882 characters
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
Had this on tap at Neon Leon's & i'm wondering,from the reviews here,if the bartender poured the wrong beer...it was not not great...not even "good"...kinda flat & didn't even resemble an ale to me...very good??? maybe okay,but not good or even close to very good...hmmm (the sound made when one is attempting to sound reassuring yet non-commital)...but whatever...this was actually the first "micro brew" i had while in Florida this year...my brother in law had one too & he also,did not grok...I was also there w/my brother Jake too, but he had some "girly-drink",as he called it...he was the smart one! Since there were no more local beers available there,my next drink that night was the same thing my sister started the night with: a Bloody Mary & it was just okay...anyway,at least the oysters and company were good that night...& a BIG SUPER thanx to Joe for buying! cheers.
★ 882 characters
4.35/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Nice, smooth, refreshing, easy drinking pale ale. When the cans make it up here from Gainesville I will drink a ton of it. Would be great on a hot day on the boat
★ 164 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Nice, smooth, refreshing, easy drinking pale ale. When the cans make it up here from Gainesville I will drink a ton of it. Would be great on a hot day on the boat
★ 164 characters
3.98/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A: Pours a lightly hazy medium honey/apricot in color with light to moderate amounts of active visible carbonation and faint copper highlights. The beer has a three finger tall foamy sudsy beige head that reduces to a medium to large patch of thick film surrounded by a thin film covering the remainder of the surface of the beer and a thick ring at the edges of the glass. Significant amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of citrus/grapefruit pith hops over the top of lighter aromas of grainy + caramel malts.
T: Upfront there is a moderate flavor of grainy and caramel malts with a light amount of sweetness. That is followed by slightly stronger than moderate flavors of citrus/grapefruit pith hops which imparts a light to moderate amount of bitterness which does not linger for too long.
M: Just shy of medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Light hints of dryness in the finish.
O: Easy to drink and quite enjoyable, thanks to my in-laws for bringing this one back from the wedding they attended in Gainesville. Alcohol is well hidden and I could easily have a couple of these. Refreshing.
★ 1,127 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A: Pours a lightly hazy medium honey/apricot in color with light to moderate amounts of active visible carbonation and faint copper highlights. The beer has a three finger tall foamy sudsy beige head that reduces to a medium to large patch of thick film surrounded by a thin film covering the remainder of the surface of the beer and a thick ring at the edges of the glass. Significant amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of citrus/grapefruit pith hops over the top of lighter aromas of grainy + caramel malts.
T: Upfront there is a moderate flavor of grainy and caramel malts with a light amount of sweetness. That is followed by slightly stronger than moderate flavors of citrus/grapefruit pith hops which imparts a light to moderate amount of bitterness which does not linger for too long.
M: Just shy of medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Light hints of dryness in the finish.
O: Easy to drink and quite enjoyable, thanks to my in-laws for bringing this one back from the wedding they attended in Gainesville. Alcohol is well hidden and I could easily have a couple of these. Refreshing.
★ 1,127 characters
3.86/5 rDev -3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Golden rod body, thin head, OK lacing.
Aroma: Medium intensity citrus.
Flavor: Bitter pine hop character.
Mouthfeel: Thin, lingering astringent bitter after taste.
★ 178 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: Golden rod body, thin head, OK lacing.
Aroma: Medium intensity citrus.
Flavor: Bitter pine hop character.
Mouthfeel: Thin, lingering astringent bitter after taste.
★ 178 characters
4.09/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Had on tap in a pint. Stumpknocker has all the things you would want out of a mid 5%abv APA. Moderate head, great clarity. A very good Pale Ale that I will be buying again.
★ 177 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Had on tap in a pint. Stumpknocker has all the things you would want out of a mid 5%abv APA. Moderate head, great clarity. A very good Pale Ale that I will be buying again.
★ 177 characters
3.68/5 rDev -7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Thanks to my cousin Sonny for sending this my way.
A- Can poured into a glass for the review with a ever so slightly hazy light amber body. A white cap builds up to one finger with decent retention. Frothy ring leaves small spotty lace.
S- Balanced aroma reveals slight citrus hop notes and pale malts. Notes of grapefruit, orange, biscuit, lightly caramelized grain and yeast bread. Lacking some overall strength.
T- Hops bring citrus notes of grapefruit and orange as well as some floral tones. Malts are present with hints of cereal grain, toast, biscuit and light caramel. Light yeast fruits and bread.
MF- Light bodied with a crisp, slightly creamy texture. Carbonation comes in at a medium-high level with a light bitterness in the finish.
Solid APA that finds a nice balance between citrus hops and light malts.
★ 823 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Thanks to my cousin Sonny for sending this my way.
A- Can poured into a glass for the review with a ever so slightly hazy light amber body. A white cap builds up to one finger with decent retention. Frothy ring leaves small spotty lace.
S- Balanced aroma reveals slight citrus hop notes and pale malts. Notes of grapefruit, orange, biscuit, lightly caramelized grain and yeast bread. Lacking some overall strength.
T- Hops bring citrus notes of grapefruit and orange as well as some floral tones. Malts are present with hints of cereal grain, toast, biscuit and light caramel. Light yeast fruits and bread.
MF- Light bodied with a crisp, slightly creamy texture. Carbonation comes in at a medium-high level with a light bitterness in the finish.
Solid APA that finds a nice balance between citrus hops and light malts.
★ 823 characters
3.7/5 rDev -7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Straight pour from a 12oz can to a teku; no canning date, but I picked this up yesterday at the brewery. Should be reasonably fresh.
Appearance (3.5): Two fingers of a very light tan-colored head come off of the pour, capping a deep, slightly orange-tinted amber body that’s almost perfectly clear; the foam is fine-grained in the middle, fat and a little crackly around the edges, and dies down at a moderate speed. Just a few splotches of lace here and there—an attractive body and a nice head, but kind of lacking in retention and lacing.
Smell (3.5): A nice, even mixture of caramel-y malts, citrusy hops characterize the aroma: a little bit of molasses cookie and some rich caramel make up the malt body, and some candied orange peel mixed with a little pineapple, some sweet lemonade, and a tiny bit of grassiness make up the hops profile. It’s nice and to-style, but could use more “oomph.”
Taste (3.75): The flavor is kind of a better-matched version of the aroma: some caramel-rich malt with a nutty, slightly tangy toffee tone alongside it matches well with a moderately juicy, moderately citrusy fruit character, showing a mellower side than most hop bombs (apricot, sweet orange), followed by a modestly bitter finish composed of bitter herbs and grass. A little bit citrus peel in the end. Kind of executes the style well without exactly surpassing any expectations.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Smooth but moderately foamy carbonation with a moderate tingle washes all over, ahead of a body that’s lighter-than-medium-weight and very smooth. The finish is dry and easy-going—definitely easy to drink, but not lacking in character.
Overall (3.75): While it doesn’t come off as exceptional in any regard, this is another beer which the sum of its parts elevates it to an average of those parts. Or rather, in retrospect, it’s more enjoyable than the numbers might suggest at first. To be frank, it’s a very nice, well put-together American Pale Ale that’s plenty enjoyable to drink, but not mind-blowing in any way.
★ 2,047 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Straight pour from a 12oz can to a teku; no canning date, but I picked this up yesterday at the brewery. Should be reasonably fresh.
Appearance (3.5): Two fingers of a very light tan-colored head come off of the pour, capping a deep, slightly orange-tinted amber body that’s almost perfectly clear; the foam is fine-grained in the middle, fat and a little crackly around the edges, and dies down at a moderate speed. Just a few splotches of lace here and there—an attractive body and a nice head, but kind of lacking in retention and lacing.
Smell (3.5): A nice, even mixture of caramel-y malts, citrusy hops characterize the aroma: a little bit of molasses cookie and some rich caramel make up the malt body, and some candied orange peel mixed with a little pineapple, some sweet lemonade, and a tiny bit of grassiness make up the hops profile. It’s nice and to-style, but could use more “oomph.”
Taste (3.75): The flavor is kind of a better-matched version of the aroma: some caramel-rich malt with a nutty, slightly tangy toffee tone alongside it matches well with a moderately juicy, moderately citrusy fruit character, showing a mellower side than most hop bombs (apricot, sweet orange), followed by a modestly bitter finish composed of bitter herbs and grass. A little bit citrus peel in the end. Kind of executes the style well without exactly surpassing any expectations.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Smooth but moderately foamy carbonation with a moderate tingle washes all over, ahead of a body that’s lighter-than-medium-weight and very smooth. The finish is dry and easy-going—definitely easy to drink, but not lacking in character.
Overall (3.75): While it doesn’t come off as exceptional in any regard, this is another beer which the sum of its parts elevates it to an average of those parts. Or rather, in retrospect, it’s more enjoyable than the numbers might suggest at first. To be frank, it’s a very nice, well put-together American Pale Ale that’s plenty enjoyable to drink, but not mind-blowing in any way.
★ 2,047 characters
4.02/5 rDev +1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
On tap at the brewery. The pour was medium amber with an off-white head that was average in terms of retention and lacing. The aroma is excellent, with a well balanced mix of sweet malts, and fruity hops, as well as a clear toffee/caramel note. The flavor is nicely hoppy but without excessive bitterness. Highly drinkable, this one went down fast. Easy recommendation.
★ 369 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
On tap at the brewery. The pour was medium amber with an off-white head that was average in terms of retention and lacing. The aroma is excellent, with a well balanced mix of sweet malts, and fruity hops, as well as a clear toffee/caramel note. The flavor is nicely hoppy but without excessive bitterness. Highly drinkable, this one went down fast. Easy recommendation.
★ 369 characters
4.01/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Had on tap at Smokehouse in Gainesville. This was my first SH experience when moving tot he area. Pours a light clear golden with creamy head. Aroma of light sweet citrus, some pale malts. Flavor follows with a beautiful boquet of floral citrus flavors, some nice sweetness, and an easy crisp finish. This is light bodied with plenty of carbonation. A really nice brew to have in the warm Florida weather, and very drinkable.
★ 425 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Had on tap at Smokehouse in Gainesville. This was my first SH experience when moving tot he area. Pours a light clear golden with creamy head. Aroma of light sweet citrus, some pale malts. Flavor follows with a beautiful boquet of floral citrus flavors, some nice sweetness, and an easy crisp finish. This is light bodied with plenty of carbonation. A really nice brew to have in the warm Florida weather, and very drinkable.
★ 425 characters
4.07/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Enjoyed on tap countless times around Gainesville. Swamphead is quickly becoming a local institution, and it's raising the bar for an already beer-conscious community.
Pretty orange-copper, and crystal clear. A very enjoyable beer to watch bubble. There's seldom much head.
Sometimes pine and bitter citrus (grapefruit peel) aroma, sometimes as sweet smelling as tropical fruit- pineapple, mango, and papaya. As it warms, the malt adds a bread-y depth. I usually take a break midway through to just smell this one!
Hops are obvious, and more bitter than the smell suggests. Bread and bread and bread. Balanced, nuanced, I always end my first sip be declaring that "nothing about [the beer] sucks."
It's just a satisfying, refreshing, interesting APA. It doesn't do anything crazy, it plays within the style and delivers on quality. More and more restaurants and brew houses are drafting this brew 24/7 and I couldn't be happier.
★ 932 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Enjoyed on tap countless times around Gainesville. Swamphead is quickly becoming a local institution, and it's raising the bar for an already beer-conscious community.
Pretty orange-copper, and crystal clear. A very enjoyable beer to watch bubble. There's seldom much head.
Sometimes pine and bitter citrus (grapefruit peel) aroma, sometimes as sweet smelling as tropical fruit- pineapple, mango, and papaya. As it warms, the malt adds a bread-y depth. I usually take a break midway through to just smell this one!
Hops are obvious, and more bitter than the smell suggests. Bread and bread and bread. Balanced, nuanced, I always end my first sip be declaring that "nothing about [the beer] sucks."
It's just a satisfying, refreshing, interesting APA. It doesn't do anything crazy, it plays within the style and delivers on quality. More and more restaurants and brew houses are drafting this brew 24/7 and I couldn't be happier.
★ 932 characters
3.76/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Reviewed from notes. Had on-tap at James Joyce Pub (the new location). Served in a pint glass.
A: Clear, dark gold, with a half-finger's worth of white head and medium visible carbonation.
S: Cracker malts, pine and some light citrus hops.
T: Light cracker malt with pine, grassy and citrus rind hops. Lightly bitter on the finish.
M: Light body, minimal alcohol presence, good carbonation sensation.
O: An easy drinker and enjoyable with dinner, but nothing exciting to particularly seek out.
★ 498 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Reviewed from notes. Had on-tap at James Joyce Pub (the new location). Served in a pint glass.
A: Clear, dark gold, with a half-finger's worth of white head and medium visible carbonation.
S: Cracker malts, pine and some light citrus hops.
T: Light cracker malt with pine, grassy and citrus rind hops. Lightly bitter on the finish.
M: Light body, minimal alcohol presence, good carbonation sensation.
O: An easy drinker and enjoyable with dinner, but nothing exciting to particularly seek out.
★ 498 characters
4.23/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Hazy amber color with a one and a half inch creamy head that sticks around for a bit, excellent lacing.
S - Fresh hops, citrus with a touch of pine, and a nice bready malt backbone.
T - Bright fresh citrus hops and biscuit like malts, very nice and tasty, finish is a pine bitterness, nice bite but nothing overpowering.
M - light to medium body and slightly creamy with relatively low carbonation which I happen to like a lot in this beer, allows it to coat the mouth better.
O - A solid beer that I will get whenever I see it, Swampheads bignose is a touch better but this is still excellent.
★ 606 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Hazy amber color with a one and a half inch creamy head that sticks around for a bit, excellent lacing.
S - Fresh hops, citrus with a touch of pine, and a nice bready malt backbone.
T - Bright fresh citrus hops and biscuit like malts, very nice and tasty, finish is a pine bitterness, nice bite but nothing overpowering.
M - light to medium body and slightly creamy with relatively low carbonation which I happen to like a lot in this beer, allows it to coat the mouth better.
O - A solid beer that I will get whenever I see it, Swampheads bignose is a touch better but this is still excellent.
★ 606 characters
4.39/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Filled my quart growler today, pouring into a snifter. Not my first or last time having this beverage.
A: Pours a thin, average looking head for a pale ale, sits for a minute until bubbles burst into lacy rim on the edges. Orange hazy colored body. Carbonation looks average, really have to force thick head if desired.
S: Citrusy hop notes off the bat, extremely candy sweet like jollyranchers. Hop smell is similar to a Bell's HopSlam just alot more subdued. Suttle caramel malt undertones.
T: Great hop taste FOR a pale ale, not an IPA, which I appreciate because it is true to style. Light body from the pale malts really shine after the resiny, citrusy hop character fades.
M: Starts out with a resiny bitterness then transitions to a crisp, clean light feel from the malts then finishes with lingering notes of wonderful hop bouquet of flavor.
O: The only knock to this pale ale is it could be too hoppy, but Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale is full of hop flavor and is nationally renowned as a great beer for its style. Extremely well-balanced and I would put this up against any pale ale on the streets. Great work Swamp Head, thanks for all the great beer:)
★ 1,167 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Filled my quart growler today, pouring into a snifter. Not my first or last time having this beverage.
A: Pours a thin, average looking head for a pale ale, sits for a minute until bubbles burst into lacy rim on the edges. Orange hazy colored body. Carbonation looks average, really have to force thick head if desired.
S: Citrusy hop notes off the bat, extremely candy sweet like jollyranchers. Hop smell is similar to a Bell's HopSlam just alot more subdued. Suttle caramel malt undertones.
T: Great hop taste FOR a pale ale, not an IPA, which I appreciate because it is true to style. Light body from the pale malts really shine after the resiny, citrusy hop character fades.
M: Starts out with a resiny bitterness then transitions to a crisp, clean light feel from the malts then finishes with lingering notes of wonderful hop bouquet of flavor.
O: The only knock to this pale ale is it could be too hoppy, but Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale is full of hop flavor and is nationally renowned as a great beer for its style. Extremely well-balanced and I would put this up against any pale ale on the streets. Great work Swamp Head, thanks for all the great beer:)
★ 1,167 characters
4.11/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A-amber with a stable cream colored head
S-a very faint scent of cream and hops. not much going on here
T-comes in with a very crisp taste of papaya and grains and some fresh hops. it has a very comforting bitterness to it. the tastes are of extremely high quality. matching finish
M-good creamy and medium carbonation with a good creamy finish
O-this is a success of a pale ale if you ask me. its great tasting and really easy to drink...and unique. love to see this one come out in cans...i'd always have a 6-pack in the fridge.
★ 534 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A-amber with a stable cream colored head
S-a very faint scent of cream and hops. not much going on here
T-comes in with a very crisp taste of papaya and grains and some fresh hops. it has a very comforting bitterness to it. the tastes are of extremely high quality. matching finish
M-good creamy and medium carbonation with a good creamy finish
O-this is a success of a pale ale if you ask me. its great tasting and really easy to drink...and unique. love to see this one come out in cans...i'd always have a 6-pack in the fridge.
★ 534 characters
3.96/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: light amber. Mildly hazy.
S: mild hops. More malty and some citrus notes.
T: nice and hoppy with great drinkability. There is no overwhelming bitter finish for this one. Caramel and floral notes
M: medium bodied and moderate carbonation. Aftertaste is not as offensive as many pale ales
Overall: an excellent pale ale. One of the best out there. The right amount of hop character and flavor.
★ 398 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: light amber. Mildly hazy.
S: mild hops. More malty and some citrus notes.
T: nice and hoppy with great drinkability. There is no overwhelming bitter finish for this one. Caramel and floral notes
M: medium bodied and moderate carbonation. Aftertaste is not as offensive as many pale ales
Overall: an excellent pale ale. One of the best out there. The right amount of hop character and flavor.
★ 398 characters
4.13/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On-tap at Gator's Dockside.
A: served in a pint glass. yellow-golden color, really clear. thin head that settles out to a film but still hangs on a bit.
S: I can't say the hops are upfront but they are definitely there. This is a pale ale so I know the hops shouldn't be too crazy but it seems like everyone tries to go hop crazy nowadays.
T: great balanced and mild beer but still has a great hop flavor and bitterness.
M: thin mouthfeel but not unpleasant at all.
O: Great beer and I could definitely drink a few pints of this with ease, and I love supporting the local brewery, Swamp Head.
★ 597 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On-tap at Gator's Dockside.
A: served in a pint glass. yellow-golden color, really clear. thin head that settles out to a film but still hangs on a bit.
S: I can't say the hops are upfront but they are definitely there. This is a pale ale so I know the hops shouldn't be too crazy but it seems like everyone tries to go hop crazy nowadays.
T: great balanced and mild beer but still has a great hop flavor and bitterness.
M: thin mouthfeel but not unpleasant at all.
O: Great beer and I could definitely drink a few pints of this with ease, and I love supporting the local brewery, Swamp Head.
★ 597 characters
4.3/5 rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I had this one on tap over at World of Beer in Orlando.
A: Clear, solid gold color, with about a finger or so white head that retained itself throughout the session.
S: Yeast, fruity, and with a mild and pleasant hop profile. Smells like a world class Pale Ale should!
T: First a foremost, the lack of upfront bitterness made this a PA as opposed to an IPA. Fruity as he'll, and sort of reminded me of Sweetwater's IPA in that regard.
M: Ridiculous lacing, carbonation aplenty, and tempered sweetness and bitterness.
O: This was my first Swamp Fox brew, and if this one is any indicator, I'm already a fan and supporter...
★ 627 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I had this one on tap over at World of Beer in Orlando.
A: Clear, solid gold color, with about a finger or so white head that retained itself throughout the session.
S: Yeast, fruity, and with a mild and pleasant hop profile. Smells like a world class Pale Ale should!
T: First a foremost, the lack of upfront bitterness made this a PA as opposed to an IPA. Fruity as he'll, and sort of reminded me of Sweetwater's IPA in that regard.
M: Ridiculous lacing, carbonation aplenty, and tempered sweetness and bitterness.
O: This was my first Swamp Fox brew, and if this one is any indicator, I'm already a fan and supporter...
★ 627 characters
4.42/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
amber and incredibly hazy and cloudy with tons of carbonation just ripping toward the surface. Immense white foam just leaps over the top of the glass, reaching a height of near three inches before finally settling down into a firm two fingers of head and rich lacing that lasted the entire session. Aroma is sharp citrus, lemon, orange, nice notes of grasses along with a great little hint of light bready malts providing some nice balance. Crisp, clean, near perfect flavor as the sharp and lightly tart notes of citrus work perfectly and are so well balanced I was amazed. Such a light, and easy drinking ale, I cannot believe how quickly this one snuck up on me. I could see myself drinking this for days all summer long, it was just that good.
★ 748 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
amber and incredibly hazy and cloudy with tons of carbonation just ripping toward the surface. Immense white foam just leaps over the top of the glass, reaching a height of near three inches before finally settling down into a firm two fingers of head and rich lacing that lasted the entire session. Aroma is sharp citrus, lemon, orange, nice notes of grasses along with a great little hint of light bready malts providing some nice balance. Crisp, clean, near perfect flavor as the sharp and lightly tart notes of citrus work perfectly and are so well balanced I was amazed. Such a light, and easy drinking ale, I cannot believe how quickly this one snuck up on me. I could see myself drinking this for days all summer long, it was just that good.
★ 748 characters
4.42/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours a cloudy amber with one finger thick dense white head. Chunky rings of lace halfway down the glass. Smell: tropical fruit juice blend, mild sweet caramel, a solid hit of grapefruit rind with a little pine in the back. Taste: salted cracker + a small dose of sweet caramel, grapefruit rind, herbal bitterness, sugared mango. Lightly prickly carbonation and an overall fluffy feel. Does a lot with its 35 ibus. Very enjoyable hopping that mixes with a light sweet caramel and tropical fruit sweetness. A really nice pale ale.
★ 529 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours a cloudy amber with one finger thick dense white head. Chunky rings of lace halfway down the glass. Smell: tropical fruit juice blend, mild sweet caramel, a solid hit of grapefruit rind with a little pine in the back. Taste: salted cracker + a small dose of sweet caramel, grapefruit rind, herbal bitterness, sugared mango. Lightly prickly carbonation and an overall fluffy feel. Does a lot with its 35 ibus. Very enjoyable hopping that mixes with a light sweet caramel and tropical fruit sweetness. A really nice pale ale.
★ 529 characters
2.58/5 rDev -35.2%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
A - It pours a copper-amber hue, and is capped with an inch of off-white head, with little retention or lace.
S - The nose is flat-out unimpressive. The malt is too heavy in caramel and the brew seems to have a metallic overtone. Hops are not specifically dynamic in the aroma.
T - The flavor carries over the themes of the nose; pretty unremarkable stuff here. I'd like to like it, but what's to like? The malt is cheap tasting, metallic and caramelized, there are hints of diacetyl, and the hop presence is totally uninspiring.
M - Normal feel, maybe even a tad drab.
O - I do not see a purpose for this brew's existence.
★ 627 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
A - It pours a copper-amber hue, and is capped with an inch of off-white head, with little retention or lace.
S - The nose is flat-out unimpressive. The malt is too heavy in caramel and the brew seems to have a metallic overtone. Hops are not specifically dynamic in the aroma.
T - The flavor carries over the themes of the nose; pretty unremarkable stuff here. I'd like to like it, but what's to like? The malt is cheap tasting, metallic and caramelized, there are hints of diacetyl, and the hop presence is totally uninspiring.
M - Normal feel, maybe even a tad drab.
O - I do not see a purpose for this brew's existence.
★ 627 characters
3.98/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On tap at The Swamp in Gainesville.
Copper color, creamy white head with good lacing.
Floral aroma, a little fruit in there as well. Hoppy for an APA.
The taste is similar, definitely hop dominated and not much of a malt presence. Pretty good!
Creamy, slight bitter aftertaste. Easy to drink. Good brew!
★ 311 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On tap at The Swamp in Gainesville.
Copper color, creamy white head with good lacing.
Floral aroma, a little fruit in there as well. Hoppy for an APA.
The taste is similar, definitely hop dominated and not much of a malt presence. Pretty good!
Creamy, slight bitter aftertaste. Easy to drink. Good brew!
★ 311 characters
Stump Knocker Pale Ale from Swamp Head Brewery
3.98
out of 5
based on 201 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is one of my favorite Pale Ales. It has a cool and crisp hoppy flavor. I may be bias to the brewery because I am from Gainesville FL. As I've come to understand Swamp Head brewery uses Gainesville tap water for the brewing process. This is the water I drink everyday. Fresh spring water from wells 300 ft into the Floridan Aquifer system. Go Gators!
★ 355 characters