Ring Tail Pale Ale
Cascade Brewing / Raccoon Lodge & Brewpub

The trend I’ve noticed with Raccoon ales is that they initially present with a fair measure of flavor but tend to fade quickly and don’t sustain well. By mid-pint, as the ale reaches ambient temperatures, the smell, the body, and the flavor have dissipated and lost their initial appeal. This is how I found Ring Tail to be. It started out looking light; a little too pale for a pale, and headless. There was initially an abundant flavor of customary malt/hop dimensions and a modest malt aroma. But these soon diminished to a benign neutrality.

Raccoon’s ales aren’t bad, but they don’t make me jump up and shout. The truth of it is, it’s a competitive market out there, and this one just can’t compete.

Aside from that, the finish was kind of funky.

This is a very thin, light-colored "pale ale," really in blonde ale territory, almost lager-like, except for the judicious amount of hops to create a bitter, lasting finish. A very quaffable ale, and accessible to those who might shy away from the brewpub's stronger or darker offerings. Top-notch session ale, unique (and commendable) in its lightness and drinkability.