SMASH Pale #3: Galaxy
Avery Brewing Company

Tried @ Avery's taproom in Boulder on 11/9/15.

C+ / ABOVE AVERAGE

its weird that avery ipa is so pedestrian, because almost all of the other hoppy beer they make is awesome. why is that? i dont know, but i wish some of their other hoppy beers were on tap around town instead of their main ipa, which i dont care for much. this is amazing, a single hop and single malt beer, i can remember the grain, but its very light in color, bright yellow, without a ton of flavor to it. sort of a mild pils type, although i dont know exactly. the hops are unmistakably galaxy, zesty and fruity and really alive in this delicious session pale ale. amazing radiance on the hops, so juicy and distinct, and its cool they picked such a light malt for them, it doesnt interfere in the least, but gives it just enough body and balance. notes of lime zest, cantaloupe, tangerine, pineapple, there is a lot going on with this awesome hop, and its on full display here. i could drink this beer by the gallon, and frankly wish i could, its delicious. very well carbonated and nice and dry on the feel. this is the first i have had in this series from avery, but its an awesome beer. sort of tastes like some of the better session india pales in the game, but just so light. loved this one.

 

There's no mistaking Galaxy hops. And when its the sole flavor provider for a hop-forward beer, its pungent tropical character slathers onto the tastebuds with unapologetic abandonment. Avery's "single malt and single hop" beer intends to do just that. It's an education in beer taste.

The all-Galaxy pale ale's light canary gold hue casts a hazy gaze over the session with musty dried fruit wafts above. Pineapple, passionfruit, kiwi, pink grapefruit and lemon all seem of the dried, dehydrated, leathery variety while its initial taste is supple with confectioner's sweetness, fresh bread and dry wafters.

But that malt influence backs away quickly as the hops dominate the middle palate in a more IPA kind of way. Pungent tropical fruit links up with melon, orchard and citrus with a truly exotic herbal weave. Hints of chive, fresh-cut grass and cannabis tease the senses as the finish is smoothly bitter with citrus and tropical fruit skins.

Its medium-light body offers just enough creaminess to support the hops but foregoing the associated sweetness that would threaten to balance in any normal pale ale. Again, its dry finish suggests IPA as the hop dominance continues- bringing a bright limey, gooseberry tartness to approach wine-like comparisons deep in taste and into an illuminated afterglow.

Served On-Tap @ Avery

A — Pours a clear pale lemony yellow hue into the glass, there is a thin layer of white foam on-top that leaves behind some consistent sticky rings of lace.

S — Smell is fantastic, a great showcase of the fruity Galaxy hops, I get notes of citrus and passionfruit, as well as a pineapple tang and a hint of grapefruit and orange juice. Lightly noticeable crackery malt base as well, but really focused on the hops.

T — Taste is a great showcase of Galaxy, with pineapple, passionfruit, light mango, grapefruit, clementine, all reside in harmony above a light and dry malt base appropriate for the style.

M — Light-Medium bodied, crisp, clean, drinkable and delicious.

O — Great overall, a nice SMaSH beer well made and a good showcase of the hop variety.

 

Notes from WBAYDN #1114

A nice showcase of the sweet melon nectar that galaxy can offer. I really like the light roast malt build with a fuller body than expected and fantastic head retention. Great way to feature some tasty galaxy hops.