Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale | Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.
Brewed by:
Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.
Massachusetts, United States
berkshirebrewingcompany.com
Style: American Pale Ale (APA)
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.30%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by UnionMade on 08-22-1996
Ratings: 677 | Reviews: 227
Reviews by rudzud:
More User Reviews:
3.85/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Presentation: Pint size, on tap from the Eastside Grill, Northampton, MA.
Appearance: Slightly cloudy, with a smooth white head that left rings around the glass as the level went down.
Smell: This brew had a nice clean balance of malt and hop aromas, with hints of a pleasing citrus smell.
Taste: A very light ale, with an extremely refreshing amount of carbonation. Lovely honey, lemon, and nut overtones followed by light sweet malt afters.
Notes: By far on of the best American Pale Ales in the NE on tap. The chicken, shrimp, and andouille jambalaya complemented this extraordinary brew. Mexican and other Cajun meals would also be recommended.
(From notes written on a napkin.)
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Presentation: Pint size, on tap from the Eastside Grill, Northampton, MA.
Appearance: Slightly cloudy, with a smooth white head that left rings around the glass as the level went down.
Smell: This brew had a nice clean balance of malt and hop aromas, with hints of a pleasing citrus smell.
Taste: A very light ale, with an extremely refreshing amount of carbonation. Lovely honey, lemon, and nut overtones followed by light sweet malt afters.
Notes: By far on of the best American Pale Ales in the NE on tap. The chicken, shrimp, and andouille jambalaya complemented this extraordinary brew. Mexican and other Cajun meals would also be recommended.
(From notes written on a napkin.)
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4.17/5 rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Ahh, my old friend Steel Rail.
I've been drinking it for years as I enjoy its simplicity and drinkability year round.
Recently got a sixtel of it for a backyard BBQ on a hot summer day.
Pours a clear bright yellow with a decent head retention. Aroma is unique - biscuity and hoppy, though not the ultra-bitter smell. Very inviting to take a sip.
More faint biscuit taste in the mouth with restrained hops. Finishes with a slightly sweet malt finish. Each sip begs another as it's balanced and ultra-clean.
I never really thought of this as a summer beer, but I do now. Sooo easy to drink many of these.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Ahh, my old friend Steel Rail.
I've been drinking it for years as I enjoy its simplicity and drinkability year round.
Recently got a sixtel of it for a backyard BBQ on a hot summer day.
Pours a clear bright yellow with a decent head retention. Aroma is unique - biscuity and hoppy, though not the ultra-bitter smell. Very inviting to take a sip.
More faint biscuit taste in the mouth with restrained hops. Finishes with a slightly sweet malt finish. Each sip begs another as it's balanced and ultra-clean.
I never really thought of this as a summer beer, but I do now. Sooo easy to drink many of these.
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3.53/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
A = a nice cloudy amber. My pint was served extremely cold, probably due to the sub-zero temperatures in the cellar during the cold NH winter. As a result, it had only a slight head. I actually had to wait awhile for it to warm up for the rest of my tasting.
S = Brisk? Can I use that term for beer? Also, a slight scent of citrus and yeast/bread. No detectable hops, light if any, and that makes me happy.
T = Reminded me very much of a heavy pilsner. Crisp, nice medium-light flavor. Very drinkable.
M = Again, like a heavy pilsner, if there is such a thing. It complimented my lunch quite nicely!
O = Even if I didn't seek this ale out, I would order it again if I saw it on a menu. I would even drink it sans food, as it is crisp, refreshing and leaves no "beer-ish" aftertaste. A very nice beer, indeed!
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
A = a nice cloudy amber. My pint was served extremely cold, probably due to the sub-zero temperatures in the cellar during the cold NH winter. As a result, it had only a slight head. I actually had to wait awhile for it to warm up for the rest of my tasting.
S = Brisk? Can I use that term for beer? Also, a slight scent of citrus and yeast/bread. No detectable hops, light if any, and that makes me happy.
T = Reminded me very much of a heavy pilsner. Crisp, nice medium-light flavor. Very drinkable.
M = Again, like a heavy pilsner, if there is such a thing. It complimented my lunch quite nicely!
O = Even if I didn't seek this ale out, I would order it again if I saw it on a menu. I would even drink it sans food, as it is crisp, refreshing and leaves no "beer-ish" aftertaste. A very nice beer, indeed!
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3.34/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
22 oz brown bomber with a freshness date on the side of the label.
Appearance: Densely tiny bubbled lace sticks everywhere, dusty weather golden colour comes close to a beige hue.
Smell: Biscuit dough, yeast and flour light hops, malt and fruitiness.
Taste & Mouthfeel: A grand smoothness softens the yeasty blow, not that the yeast has a bite but it is there like a thick blanket after a winter storm. The maltiness has a sturdy steam and branches off into biscuity and grainy flavours. Bread wheat malt. Hops are mild with a monotone citric flavour.
Notes: A simple ale, small in stature but still flavourful.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5
22 oz brown bomber with a freshness date on the side of the label.
Appearance: Densely tiny bubbled lace sticks everywhere, dusty weather golden colour comes close to a beige hue.
Smell: Biscuit dough, yeast and flour light hops, malt and fruitiness.
Taste & Mouthfeel: A grand smoothness softens the yeasty blow, not that the yeast has a bite but it is there like a thick blanket after a winter storm. The maltiness has a sturdy steam and branches off into biscuity and grainy flavours. Bread wheat malt. Hops are mild with a monotone citric flavour.
Notes: A simple ale, small in stature but still flavourful.
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3.03/5 rDev -14.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Pours a cloudy golden yellowish color with a moderate white head. Head leaves some decent lacing on the glass as it is drunk. Smells somewhat citrus, even a little floral. Tastes just a little on the bitter side, hops are apparant. Starts smooth but with the carbonation it finishes slightly abrasive. Easy to drink since the bitterness isn't overwhelming. A rather bland beer.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Pours a cloudy golden yellowish color with a moderate white head. Head leaves some decent lacing on the glass as it is drunk. Smells somewhat citrus, even a little floral. Tastes just a little on the bitter side, hops are apparant. Starts smooth but with the carbonation it finishes slightly abrasive. Easy to drink since the bitterness isn't overwhelming. A rather bland beer.
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3.55/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Appearance: minimal head, gold in color, clear
Smell: sweet honey, malt, and grass
Taste: sweet honey, malt, small hops, touch of spice--maybe cinnamon, and grass
Mouthfeel: sweet bordering cloying, light bodied, minimal carbonation
Drinkability: To me this is an above average APA. I like the touch of honey in this brew. I could have a six.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Appearance: minimal head, gold in color, clear
Smell: sweet honey, malt, and grass
Taste: sweet honey, malt, small hops, touch of spice--maybe cinnamon, and grass
Mouthfeel: sweet bordering cloying, light bodied, minimal carbonation
Drinkability: To me this is an above average APA. I like the touch of honey in this brew. I could have a six.
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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.
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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.
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3.5/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.28/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
poured into a nonic glass froma 22oz. brown bomber with a crimped cap.
Cloudy,golden/straw color looks unfiltered. 2" thick,creamy white head with decent retention with some spotty lacing.
Grassy/dry hay nose with fruityness and some light malt notes
Clean bisquity,fresh bread,some fruityness,light malt,with a bit of a tang. Finishes crisp,clean with a light maltiness. Very good balance.
Smooth,with a bit of grainyness. Easy drinking,refreshing good summer beer.
Has a bit of a Macro feel.would be a good beer to give to a BMC drinker.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
poured into a nonic glass froma 22oz. brown bomber with a crimped cap.
Cloudy,golden/straw color looks unfiltered. 2" thick,creamy white head with decent retention with some spotty lacing.
Grassy/dry hay nose with fruityness and some light malt notes
Clean bisquity,fresh bread,some fruityness,light malt,with a bit of a tang. Finishes crisp,clean with a light maltiness. Very good balance.
Smooth,with a bit of grainyness. Easy drinking,refreshing good summer beer.
Has a bit of a Macro feel.would be a good beer to give to a BMC drinker.
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3.77/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
As the name suggests, it is very pale! Almost a greenish hue to it. The head dissipates pretty quickly.
Smells of honeydew and grains. Aroma is pleasant and sweet, but a little mild.
Fruity flavor. Reminds me of melon or cantaloupe? I would like a little more of a hops presence.
Exceptionally smooth, with a clean finish. Chewy and very drinkable.
It's a little bit mild. But it's quite nice and well balanced. Certainly worth a try.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
As the name suggests, it is very pale! Almost a greenish hue to it. The head dissipates pretty quickly.
Smells of honeydew and grains. Aroma is pleasant and sweet, but a little mild.
Fruity flavor. Reminds me of melon or cantaloupe? I would like a little more of a hops presence.
Exceptionally smooth, with a clean finish. Chewy and very drinkable.
It's a little bit mild. But it's quite nice and well balanced. Certainly worth a try.
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Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale from Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.
Beer rating:
36.2% out of
100 with
677 ratings
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
On tap at peppercorns poured into standard pint glass.
A - This brew has a nice crystal clear straw color pour with a fluffy two finger head that fades to leave nice side lacing.
S - this has pretty standard and somewhat uninteresting aroma with light malts and hops.
T - more of the same here. Light malts add some light grassy hops. Light biscuit too.
M - pretty nice feel with a crisp dry finish.
O - Overall this is an ok apa. I enjoy bbc but this is just okay.
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