Golden Nelson Ale
Wrecking Bar Brewpub

 

 

 

 

 

Comes out of the tap a clear golden amber with a fine-bubbled white head. Rich aroma is mainly fruity, apple and pear, with a firm tone of malt. Malty flavor has an unexpected hoppy undertone that is a little bitter, plus a slightly sweet fruity component. Fizzy, ragged texture leaves a fairly persistent tingle.

On-tap at the brewpub.

Pours a slightly hazy golden color with a white head that leaves solid lacing.

Smells of crisp light malts with large amounts of gooseberries – best described as white grapes crossed with scuppernongs. Also present are hints of deeper leafy hops.

Tastes more impressive than it smells. Light malts up front are joined almost immediately by large amounts of Nelson hops – white grapes, scuppernongs, honey, and light herbal notes. Very slight amounts of indistinct spices, maybe white pepper, flash in briefly near the end, fading out into a moderately bitter ending. Mouthfeel is good, with decent carbonation.

Overall I was a big fan of this beer, the malt profile really let the hops shine. A great standby, and a beer that’s well worth a shot.

Appearance: Served up clear and expectantly golden with a thin, white head.

Smell: At first, I felt there was a special dankness to the humble golden, but, then, I realized I was just sniffing up the "new bar" scent. After adjusting for the background waft, I noted modest notes of malted barley, flowers, and spice.

Taste: Light delicate maltiness accented by a mild, mild hint of grains and low, temporal pils character. Very, very small kiss of honey water sweetness. Ill-defined florals, a bit of light spice, and a touch of white grape skin, along with a complimentary level of balancing bitterness. Dry, crisp, and with a sparse level of bitterness remaining.

Mouthfeel: Light-bodied. Medium carbonation.

Overall: Ah, the golden ale, essentially every brewpub has and almost has to have one. This one is a fine, quality rendition.