Arcus Southern Pale Ale
Big Storm Brewing Company - Odessa

Recently realms an article on BA about pale ales losing popularity. But with a pale ale like this, it’s hard to fathom. This is a great looking beer with a very full-bodied flavor. Enjoyed it quite a bit.

 

So, what makes an American Pale Ale a "Southern" Pale Ale? Having access to warm weather and healthy bee hives helps to give Big Storm's Pale Ale and uniquely Southern twist.

Layered with a gentle waft of honey, the medium amber tinted ale highlights a fine haze while floating a generous off-white froth. Hovering above are subtle notes of honeysuckle to add a floral addition to a citrusy, grassy and sprucy scent. As the sweetness rolls onto the tongue, the malts trend nutty, toasty and caramelized with the suggestion of cracker jacks candies.

But as the sweetness begins to lift, its the hops that garner the most attention on the middle palate, bringing in waves of pink grapefruit, bitter orange and a hint of lime. Trending assertively sharp, stemmy and hay-like, the bitterness builds with the spruce and leaf flavors favoring a peppery bite but still with a malty offset.

As the ale conludes, the Pale Ale flavors reign supreme, trailing into a bittersweet finish that favors the peppery bitterness from hops. A medium long aftertaste is toasty and bitter, but with a slightly astringent spice suggesting that the beer had seen better days or was constructed from lesser choice of ingredients.

16 oz can from Florida.
Pulling the tab immediately released a stream of foam; no excuse (e.g., shaking) for this bad behavior. Later pours continued to be overly foamy, even many minutes later.
Despite appearances, and some of notes in the aroma, the flavor is OK. Bitter-sweet with discernable honey.