Pale Ale - Simcoe
Last Stand Brewing Company

can dated 2/24/21; today is 2/27/21. ffffffrrrresh

pours a clear and bold yellow gold body with a billowing big-bubbled frothy white head that has moderate retention and leaves a few patches of thin sticky lacing as it settles to a rocky halo around a patchy cap

the aroma is of fruity and earthy Simcoe backed by a real clean feeling malt

taste is as advertised by the nose - fruity, earthy hops (citrus, spritzy lemon/grapefruit/passion fruit/bright stone fruit) and a clean simple malty backbone. there is a fair amount of tart to the fruit jazz. juicy feeling and pretty lush.

mouthfeel is moderately high carbonation and a medium-lite body that overall goes smooth with occasional carbo prickles before finishing nice and dry and leaving a spritzy but earthy bitter hop aftertaste.

overall:
this was exactly as advertised - hoppy, balanced, with a fantastic display of Simcoe hop play. balancing a spritzy, tart, and juicy character with just the right amount of dry finish after being supported by a simple yet effective malt backbone, this brew is equal parts enjoyable and rewarding and should be a no brainer for any occasion where hops are welcome.
another pack of hometown heroes for sure.

 

 

Appearance: Golden glass is pretty hazy, holds a solid white head that lasts and laces.

Aroma: Mild hop note, citric, grapefruit maybe, a little crystal malt poking through.

Taste: Candy sweetness, Jolly Rancher like, just not sure which flavor. Kind of Apple, but it's not super strong, like a Pear Jolly Rancher. The sweetness settles down a bit and it's got a hop presence, but the two don't meld particularly.

Mouthfeel: Medium body, medium high carbonation gets a little gritty. Dry, slightly warming finish.

Overall: Hop flavor is nice, a bit earthy and leafy, but mostly citric. The malt is clean by very background. It's a heavy Pale, tasty, no real flaws, a good intro to the brewery. I'll be watching for more.