Bloody Hell Pale Ale
The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company

Served as a bright clear golden amber colour, small creamy head that left some lacing. An appetizing pale ale from the looks of it. Toasted biscuity malt on the nose at first, with light floral hops belnding in to the mix. Balanced flavour at first, but the hops overpower soon enough with cirtus and herbal bitterness, accompanied by an astringent aftertaste. Average mouthfeel, the carbonation actually detracts from the overall experience, would be better suited to a lager. The overtly herbal finish also detracts from my overall enjoyment, it is very astringent, which takes it from the rankings of a sessional for me. If I read the propoganda around the Grizzly paw itself correctly, this is considered a Scottish style pale ale. Fitting enough considering that Canmore has deep Scottish roots from it's pioneers, and is host to an annual Highland game in the Rockies.

I am not sure why this was a winter seasonal, but it was. Anyway, I talked with the brewmaster, a younger fellow named Brett, and he is through and through a hophead. In fact, almost all the beers brewed at Grizzly Paw have a respectable hop base. This one was a clear rusty amber colour, minimal head, but screen lacing that lasted. I am not sure if it is because of the dishwasher detergent used on the pint glasses, but I really could not coax much of an aroma out of it. What I did smell was mostly flowery hops, along with some lightish malt. The taste was a bit green, as if this beer could use some work. Decent enough malt, even more hop, as well as some fruity notes. Dry finish, well balanced. Higher than normal carbonation. Very drinkable beer, if a little lacking in complexity.