Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale
Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- American Pale Ale (APA)
Ranked #2,597 - ABV:
- 5.3%
- Score:
- 81
Ranked #43,021 - Avg:
- 3.56 | pDev: 13.76%
- Reviews:
- 235
- Ratings:
- From:
- Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.
- Massachusetts, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 17
- Gots
- 125
SCORE
81
Good
81
Good
Notes:
Reviews: 235
| Ratings: 698
3.77/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A 12-oz can(BB 8/04/19) needed an easy pour for a fat finger of creamy off-white froth pock-marked from the few large bubbles, long retention, small spots of lace. Hazy light golden straw color with fine rising bubbles. Light smell of biscuit and bread dough plus faint floral and herbal hops. Malty semi-sweet taste begins light on the bitterness. Light on citrus fruit, toasted malt and grain, the taste drys a little as hop bitterness increases. The fast clean dry finish has a spicy bite and a short lived peppery aftertaste. Medium light body, above average carbonation. Smooth and sessionable, true to style. Extra pale as the label states.
646 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A 12-oz can(BB 8/04/19) needed an easy pour for a fat finger of creamy off-white froth pock-marked from the few large bubbles, long retention, small spots of lace. Hazy light golden straw color with fine rising bubbles. Light smell of biscuit and bread dough plus faint floral and herbal hops. Malty semi-sweet taste begins light on the bitterness. Light on citrus fruit, toasted malt and grain, the taste drys a little as hop bitterness increases. The fast clean dry finish has a spicy bite and a short lived peppery aftertaste. Medium light body, above average carbonation. Smooth and sessionable, true to style. Extra pale as the label states.
646 characters
4.43/5 rDev +24.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
The can had a beautiful old locomotive on it and the old train delivered a wonderful mouthful of splendid malty goodness. A fantastic sipping beer and a superb taste.
All aboard
179 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
The can had a beautiful old locomotive on it and the old train delivered a wonderful mouthful of splendid malty goodness. A fantastic sipping beer and a superb taste.
All aboard
179 characters
3.64/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 12oz can into a high sided tulip glass.
Look is a light clear golden with a white frothy head.
Aroma is toasted caramel malt. Very sweet sugary smell.
Taste is a sweet biscuity malt with a little astringency.
228 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 12oz can into a high sided tulip glass.
Look is a light clear golden with a white frothy head.
Aroma is toasted caramel malt. Very sweet sugary smell.
Taste is a sweet biscuity malt with a little astringency.
228 characters
4.53/5 rDev +27.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured from the can.
Light golden color in appearance. White head.
Slightly sweet, yeasty/buiscity, grainy aroma, and a bit of lemon. Tastes like sugared cornflakes.
Creamy texture, medium-light body. Clean finish.
Overall, incredibly refreshing contrast to the hop-dominant beers. Perfectly balanced, pleasant grainy/bready/pale malty beer. I have had so many cans of this highly drinkable yet solid, perfectly crafted bevie over the years and have never grown tired of it. In fact, my estimation of it only grows over time.
529 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured from the can.
Light golden color in appearance. White head.
Slightly sweet, yeasty/buiscity, grainy aroma, and a bit of lemon. Tastes like sugared cornflakes.
Creamy texture, medium-light body. Clean finish.
Overall, incredibly refreshing contrast to the hop-dominant beers. Perfectly balanced, pleasant grainy/bready/pale malty beer. I have had so many cans of this highly drinkable yet solid, perfectly crafted bevie over the years and have never grown tired of it. In fact, my estimation of it only grows over time.
529 characters
2.49/5 rDev -30.1%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.5
From a 5 month old can.
I would say... It's ok. Like a slightly more mature Budweiser that knows how to show a hint of bitterness in a way that you're not sure you like but you're ok with respecting.
200 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.5
From a 5 month old can.
I would say... It's ok. Like a slightly more mature Budweiser that knows how to show a hint of bitterness in a way that you're not sure you like but you're ok with respecting.
200 characters
3.68/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Served in a glass at The '6 House Pub in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
A: Pours a slightly hazy, light golden color with a white head displaying strong retention and decent lacing.
S: Aromas of lime citrus grass and barley grain. Slightly tart.
T: Elements of lemon citrus, grassi- and graininess. Has a tart aftertaste but drinks pretty cleanly. Bitterness slightly more evident as in warms.
M: Light bodied with solid effervescence. Very creamy mouthfeel.
O: At first, I though it resembled a Dortmunder, but definitely an APA. Drinks easily, though it was well designed and executed.
590 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Served in a glass at The '6 House Pub in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
A: Pours a slightly hazy, light golden color with a white head displaying strong retention and decent lacing.
S: Aromas of lime citrus grass and barley grain. Slightly tart.
T: Elements of lemon citrus, grassi- and graininess. Has a tart aftertaste but drinks pretty cleanly. Bitterness slightly more evident as in warms.
M: Light bodied with solid effervescence. Very creamy mouthfeel.
O: At first, I though it resembled a Dortmunder, but definitely an APA. Drinks easily, though it was well designed and executed.
590 characters
4.03/5 rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nice hazy mango-yellow blush with a really nice looking creamy cap of 1 finger. Just hangs there like cappuccino foam. I love it.
Aroma of cantaloupe and fresh cling peaches, slight orange, bread.
Flavor is candy-like, has a lot of bread quality to it; much like an orange muffin.
Feel is crisp and clean, I like it.
Overall, if I hadn't spilled 90% of the beer before finishing the review, I think I'd have been able to more accurately assess this beer. But from what little sample I have here, I can honestly say I like it, that's all.
545 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nice hazy mango-yellow blush with a really nice looking creamy cap of 1 finger. Just hangs there like cappuccino foam. I love it.
Aroma of cantaloupe and fresh cling peaches, slight orange, bread.
Flavor is candy-like, has a lot of bread quality to it; much like an orange muffin.
Feel is crisp and clean, I like it.
Overall, if I hadn't spilled 90% of the beer before finishing the review, I think I'd have been able to more accurately assess this beer. But from what little sample I have here, I can honestly say I like it, that's all.
545 characters
3.3/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Strong floral and earthy hop aroma, pours a slightly hazy light straw with a thin white head. Light body, with the floral notes continuing in the flavor, there's a touch of sweet malt notes, reminiscent of a pilsner. As an APA, I feel it falls a little short in that category. It's not bad, just missing the hop punch I look for in the style.
345 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Strong floral and earthy hop aroma, pours a slightly hazy light straw with a thin white head. Light body, with the floral notes continuing in the flavor, there's a touch of sweet malt notes, reminiscent of a pilsner. As an APA, I feel it falls a little short in that category. It's not bad, just missing the hop punch I look for in the style.
345 characters
2.7/5 rDev -24.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
I regretted buying this bomber halfway through my first sip. zero head. Smells like American lager horse piss. Tastes 2 years old (couldn't find date on bottle). Just awful all around. Wouldn't drink this for free.
214 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
I regretted buying this bomber halfway through my first sip. zero head. Smells like American lager horse piss. Tastes 2 years old (couldn't find date on bottle). Just awful all around. Wouldn't drink this for free.
214 characters
3.71/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From the bottle, it pours a light amber with a just off white head. Lighted toasted malt scent in the nose with some slight piney scent. TaStephen follows nose. Pleasant.
173 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From the bottle, it pours a light amber with a just off white head. Lighted toasted malt scent in the nose with some slight piney scent. TaStephen follows nose. Pleasant.
173 characters
3.71/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
First had Steel Rail EPA poured from 12-oz. can, purchased in Boston, Mass., into nonic pint. My first Berkshire Brewing beer, this is a very solid, fruity, traditional American pale ale.
187 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
First had Steel Rail EPA poured from 12-oz. can, purchased in Boston, Mass., into nonic pint. My first Berkshire Brewing beer, this is a very solid, fruity, traditional American pale ale.
187 characters
2.44/5 rDev -31.5%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.5
Poured from 22 oz bottle into pint glass. Nothing special about the look, almost no head. Smell was nil if anything not all that pleasant. Taste more like a domestic than a craft. Feel was OK and by OK I mean wasn't unpleasant. Overall I won't be buying this again. Hadn't had Steel Rail in sometime I remembered it being better. Maybe I have had too much good craft beer between that time and now.
398 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.5
Poured from 22 oz bottle into pint glass. Nothing special about the look, almost no head. Smell was nil if anything not all that pleasant. Taste more like a domestic than a craft. Feel was OK and by OK I mean wasn't unpleasant. Overall I won't be buying this again. Hadn't had Steel Rail in sometime I remembered it being better. Maybe I have had too much good craft beer between that time and now.
398 characters
3.5/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Served: September 2016
Serving: From the bottle
Had this one because I've generally really enjoyed Berkshire brewery beers. Unfortunately, this one does not maintain the streak. Perhaps this is because when I saw the beer, I figured that the beer would be an APA but this is just a simple beer. Nothing interesting.
316 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Served: September 2016
Serving: From the bottle
Had this one because I've generally really enjoyed Berkshire brewery beers. Unfortunately, this one does not maintain the streak. Perhaps this is because when I saw the beer, I figured that the beer would be an APA but this is just a simple beer. Nothing interesting.
316 characters
4.3/5 rDev +20.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
12 oz. can
Pours golden yellow with a frothy white foam head. Smells like nutty toasted grains, clean lemony citrus, pineapple, pear, mild spice, sweet orange, with resinous earthy herbal grassy pine. Tastes like nutty toasted grains, clean lemony citrus, orange rind, pineapple, pear, sweet spice, with resinous earthy herbal grassy pine. Feels medium-light bodied, creamy with moderate low carbonation. Overall a real nice extra pale ale.
441 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
12 oz. can
Pours golden yellow with a frothy white foam head. Smells like nutty toasted grains, clean lemony citrus, pineapple, pear, mild spice, sweet orange, with resinous earthy herbal grassy pine. Tastes like nutty toasted grains, clean lemony citrus, orange rind, pineapple, pear, sweet spice, with resinous earthy herbal grassy pine. Feels medium-light bodied, creamy with moderate low carbonation. Overall a real nice extra pale ale.
441 characters
3.37/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
I have only enjoyd this, when at all, on tap. I think this is because it comes across fresh and crisp in that context, but that defeats the purpose in some ways of an ale. It is almost like an ale masquerading as a pilsener, and I would just rather have a pilsener in that case.
278 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
I have only enjoyd this, when at all, on tap. I think this is because it comes across fresh and crisp in that context, but that defeats the purpose in some ways of an ale. It is almost like an ale masquerading as a pilsener, and I would just rather have a pilsener in that case.
278 characters
3/5 rDev -15.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.
Appearance: Straw yellow with a thin white head.
Smell: Light hops and citrus.
Mouthfeel/Taste: Smooth medium bodied. Taste of sweeter citrus with a mild bitter hops finish.
Overall: Decent IPA, would be good on a hot summer day.
273 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.
Appearance: Straw yellow with a thin white head.
Smell: Light hops and citrus.
Mouthfeel/Taste: Smooth medium bodied. Taste of sweeter citrus with a mild bitter hops finish.
Overall: Decent IPA, would be good on a hot summer day.
273 characters
3.68/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a clear slightly cloudy pale straw color. One finger of bone white head,
with thin retention. lacing is sporadic.
S: Sweet. Malts. Light floral aroma. Butter and caramel.
T/M: Creamy. Malts. Sweet. Grains. Grassy yeas taste. Has a light hop kick/taste.
Finish is yeasty and grainy. The finish is on the dry side.
O: Above average pale ale. Nice malty taste. Could have a more pronounced hop
flavor. Still worth a try.
Cheers!
443 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a clear slightly cloudy pale straw color. One finger of bone white head,
with thin retention. lacing is sporadic.
S: Sweet. Malts. Light floral aroma. Butter and caramel.
T/M: Creamy. Malts. Sweet. Grains. Grassy yeas taste. Has a light hop kick/taste.
Finish is yeasty and grainy. The finish is on the dry side.
O: Above average pale ale. Nice malty taste. Could have a more pronounced hop
flavor. Still worth a try.
Cheers!
443 characters
3.88/5 rDev +9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured from Berskhire growler into a Sam Smith pint glass.
A - Pours a clear golden yellow. A one finger head movesto a thin lace.
S - Faint pine, toasted grains.
T - Toasted grains, mild bitterness, and pale malts. Clean and balanced. Hints of mild blueberry as it warms.
M - Carbonation medium high, works well for the style.
O - Good pale ale, well made, and is sessionable. Makes for an ideal summer beer.
421 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured from Berskhire growler into a Sam Smith pint glass.
A - Pours a clear golden yellow. A one finger head movesto a thin lace.
S - Faint pine, toasted grains.
T - Toasted grains, mild bitterness, and pale malts. Clean and balanced. Hints of mild blueberry as it warms.
M - Carbonation medium high, works well for the style.
O - Good pale ale, well made, and is sessionable. Makes for an ideal summer beer.
421 characters
3.84/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This beer is wildly underestimated here. Not exotic, but perfectly balanced with a pleasant hoppiness that is noticed but not rued. As others have noticed, a great session beer, which is a feat unto itself.
208 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This beer is wildly underestimated here. Not exotic, but perfectly balanced with a pleasant hoppiness that is noticed but not rued. As others have noticed, a great session beer, which is a feat unto itself.
208 characters
3.32/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a substantially hazy, very light straw color. Head like an adjunct. The smell is not particularly enticing. But the mouthfeel is fantastic for the style. Lots of carbonation. Finishes like a crisp Pilsner. The aftertaste is sweet and smooth. Little hop flavor but plenty of rich maltiness. This beer is good. I'd be happy to see it in a cooler on a hot day.
363 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a substantially hazy, very light straw color. Head like an adjunct. The smell is not particularly enticing. But the mouthfeel is fantastic for the style. Lots of carbonation. Finishes like a crisp Pilsner. The aftertaste is sweet and smooth. Little hop flavor but plenty of rich maltiness. This beer is good. I'd be happy to see it in a cooler on a hot day.
363 characters
2.96/5 rDev -16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Easy to get in my area, looked good in the glass. Did not enjoy this as much as in days past, but back then, this was one of a few as opposed to one of many
158 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Easy to get in my area, looked good in the glass. Did not enjoy this as much as in days past, but back then, this was one of a few as opposed to one of many
158 characters
3.57/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Had this on draft last night at a local BBQ joint.
I know a lot of people are going to see the current scores (81/81) and immediately pass on this, which is an absolute shame.
It's not going to blow your mind with crazy dank/tropical flavors, but it has a soft honeyed bread flavor and medium-low carbonation that's enough to keep you interested, but light enough to make the beer sessionable. Perfect dinner beer.
417 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Had this on draft last night at a local BBQ joint.
I know a lot of people are going to see the current scores (81/81) and immediately pass on this, which is an absolute shame.
It's not going to blow your mind with crazy dank/tropical flavors, but it has a soft honeyed bread flavor and medium-low carbonation that's enough to keep you interested, but light enough to make the beer sessionable. Perfect dinner beer.
417 characters
3.6/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From the tap into mason jar. In a dark bar.
a: looked golden and crystal clear. No head. Nice lacing.
s: a little yeasty. Like Challah bread. Grassy notes.
t: slight hoppiness. Light honey and malt.
m: very pleasing mouth feel. Nice carbonation coupled with silky honeyness.
o: rolling this beer around in my mouth was the best part of it. It has as very satisfying mouth feel. Also I thought this was a pilsner when I took my first sip. I didn't realize it was a pale ale. I just went for the Berkshire.
509 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From the tap into mason jar. In a dark bar.
a: looked golden and crystal clear. No head. Nice lacing.
s: a little yeasty. Like Challah bread. Grassy notes.
t: slight hoppiness. Light honey and malt.
m: very pleasing mouth feel. Nice carbonation coupled with silky honeyness.
o: rolling this beer around in my mouth was the best part of it. It has as very satisfying mouth feel. Also I thought this was a pilsner when I took my first sip. I didn't realize it was a pale ale. I just went for the Berkshire.
509 characters
3.47/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5
Can. Gold color with white froth and absolutely excellent lacing. Smell is mild, yeasty. Taste is mild up front then sugar sweet in the middle and finishes with a nice pils-style crisp bitterness. Silky mouthfeel, very drinkable. Overall, slightly above average and an easy choice for a drinking session.
309 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5
Can. Gold color with white froth and absolutely excellent lacing. Smell is mild, yeasty. Taste is mild up front then sugar sweet in the middle and finishes with a nice pils-style crisp bitterness. Silky mouthfeel, very drinkable. Overall, slightly above average and an easy choice for a drinking session.
309 characters
3.3/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
A: crystal clear; bright yellow colored; 1 finger creamy, ivory head that receded slowly to a thin cap; very nice lacing;
S: a little muted; grassy hops; a little biscuit;
T: well balanced; a little sweet; grassy notes from the hops as there, but also some pale malts; tastes and looks more like a pilsner; almost no bitterness;
M: light to medium bodied; moderate carbonation;
O: I expect the hops to be a little more forward in an APA; that said, a easy drinking beer;
474 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
A: crystal clear; bright yellow colored; 1 finger creamy, ivory head that receded slowly to a thin cap; very nice lacing;
S: a little muted; grassy hops; a little biscuit;
T: well balanced; a little sweet; grassy notes from the hops as there, but also some pale malts; tastes and looks more like a pilsner; almost no bitterness;
M: light to medium bodied; moderate carbonation;
O: I expect the hops to be a little more forward in an APA; that said, a easy drinking beer;
474 characters
Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale from Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.
Beer rating:
81 out of
100 with
698 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with ≥ 150 characters.
Explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.
Close