.394 San Diego Pale Ale
AleSmith Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Pale Ale - American
Ranked #107 - ABV:
- 6%
- Score:
- 91
Ranked #3,817 - Avg:
- 4.11 | pDev: 8.03%
- Reviews:
- 117
- Ratings:
- From:
- AleSmith Brewing Company
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 44
- Gots
- 149
SCORE
91
Outstanding
91
Outstanding
Notes:
In early 2014, Tony Gwynn’s team approached AleSmith to create a distinctive beer for the baseball legend. A meeting was called at the Gwynn household, which included a sampling of AleSmith beers to identify Tony’s preferences. He wanted the beer to be “light with a kick” which he elaborated further to mean full of hop character and light in body and color. The result of the Gwynn family’s feedback on test batches rendered a golden pale ale full of American hop flavor and aroma, with a subdued bitterness and a malty sweet finish. AleSmith San Diego Pale Ale .394 pays tribute to the city that Tony loved and the career high batting average that he achieved in ‘94. Discover what happens when a Hall of Fame perfectionist crafts a beer with a world-class brewery. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation (TAG).
26 IBU
26 IBU
Reviews: 117
| Ratings: 637
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mikeg67 from New Jersey
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap in SD. Pours amber with white head. Aroma and taste is of bready malt, citrusy hops and rip fruit. Full crisp body. Finish is long and dry. Great brew.
Aug 23, 2021
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap in SD. Pours amber with white head. Aroma and taste is of bready malt, citrusy hops and rip fruit. Full crisp body. Finish is long and dry. Great brew.
Aug 23, 2021
unlikelyspiderperson from California
4.56/5 rDev +10.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Wonderful beer, kind of a gen 2 SNPA vibe. So perfectly captures the 2010ish era west coast IPA flavors. Nice, citrus bitter with a touch of tropical sweets and a crisp and clean malt backbone
Pale golden beverage with a nice frothy white head.
Nose is candied tangerine peel and bright lemon and pine hints
Taste is clean bittersweet citrus like a tangerine or slightly underripe nectarine. Great stuff
Mar 21, 2021
4.56/5 rDev +10.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Wonderful beer, kind of a gen 2 SNPA vibe. So perfectly captures the 2010ish era west coast IPA flavors. Nice, citrus bitter with a touch of tropical sweets and a crisp and clean malt backbone
Pale golden beverage with a nice frothy white head.
Nose is candied tangerine peel and bright lemon and pine hints
Taste is clean bittersweet citrus like a tangerine or slightly underripe nectarine. Great stuff
Mar 21, 2021
Zorro from California
4.01/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Chill hazed orange with a tall snow white head. What a pale ale should look like.
Smells of C-Type hops. Strong scent of cedar wood. Lesser scents of pine board. Mildly sweet smelling.
Starts out Neutral and slightly bitter. Tastes like it smells. Cedar and pine. Fairly dry beer.
Mouthfeel is good.
Overall a good pale ale.
Dec 11, 2020
4.01/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Chill hazed orange with a tall snow white head. What a pale ale should look like.
Smells of C-Type hops. Strong scent of cedar wood. Lesser scents of pine board. Mildly sweet smelling.
Starts out Neutral and slightly bitter. Tastes like it smells. Cedar and pine. Fairly dry beer.
Mouthfeel is good.
Overall a good pale ale.
Dec 11, 2020
beersampler6 from Michigan
3.92/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Fairly refreshing pale ale, crisp and has that West Coast hit of bitter hops throughout. No date printed on bottle. Pours a yellow-orange clearish color with some nice foaming fluffy white head and some nice small rings of lingering lacing. Smells of fresh ripe grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, orange, malt, bread, vanilla, a little piney and herbal hops at the end. Taste follows the nose, great hit of bitterness, muted sweeter malt backbone at the end. Smooth, mild, slightly sticky mouthfeel and good carbonation. Very enjoyable and tasty.
Apr 12, 2020
3.92/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Fairly refreshing pale ale, crisp and has that West Coast hit of bitter hops throughout. No date printed on bottle. Pours a yellow-orange clearish color with some nice foaming fluffy white head and some nice small rings of lingering lacing. Smells of fresh ripe grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, orange, malt, bread, vanilla, a little piney and herbal hops at the end. Taste follows the nose, great hit of bitterness, muted sweeter malt backbone at the end. Smooth, mild, slightly sticky mouthfeel and good carbonation. Very enjoyable and tasty.
Apr 12, 2020
GrumpyGas from Illinois
4.03/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
32oz howler poured into a pint glass shows a bright golden straw colored body and supports a generous 2" head of fluffy white bubbles that leave stepped artistic lacing from top to bottom.
A strong piney, floral, and grapefruit aroma matches the flavor which adds a touch of cracker and caramel notes. Finishes clean with a slight citrus pith bite.
Mouthfeel is a soft and clean medium.
Overall an easy drinking pale would go great with fish tacos and maybe even a robust mixed vegetable salad.
Mar 27, 2020
4.03/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
32oz howler poured into a pint glass shows a bright golden straw colored body and supports a generous 2" head of fluffy white bubbles that leave stepped artistic lacing from top to bottom.
A strong piney, floral, and grapefruit aroma matches the flavor which adds a touch of cracker and caramel notes. Finishes clean with a slight citrus pith bite.
Mouthfeel is a soft and clean medium.
Overall an easy drinking pale would go great with fish tacos and maybe even a robust mixed vegetable salad.
Mar 27, 2020
Gatch from Massachusetts
4.43/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottled on Feb 5 2020, honestly not sure of the last time I’ve had a beer out of a bottle. Other than a stop at Alpine, this was the first beer upon moving to San Diego. A true SD/WC APA, I’ve been waiting to try this for years after somehow never drinking it while in Arizona. Tasty, refreshing, properly bitter, easy drinking. Top quality stuff!
Mar 22, 2020
4.43/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottled on Feb 5 2020, honestly not sure of the last time I’ve had a beer out of a bottle. Other than a stop at Alpine, this was the first beer upon moving to San Diego. A true SD/WC APA, I’ve been waiting to try this for years after somehow never drinking it while in Arizona. Tasty, refreshing, properly bitter, easy drinking. Top quality stuff!
Mar 22, 2020
FireMedk from California
4.28/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz. bottle. Great APA from one of my all-time favorite athletes, from one of my all-time time favorite city's, Tony Gwinn and San Diego. Got the typical floral, hops and pine taste but very minimal aftertaste and a lot smoother than I expected. San Diego may have a brewery on every corner but do yourself a favor and drink this one in memory of Tony Gwinn. AleSmith did this APA right. Respect!
Sep 29, 2019
4.28/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz. bottle. Great APA from one of my all-time favorite athletes, from one of my all-time time favorite city's, Tony Gwinn and San Diego. Got the typical floral, hops and pine taste but very minimal aftertaste and a lot smoother than I expected. San Diego may have a brewery on every corner but do yourself a favor and drink this one in memory of Tony Gwinn. AleSmith did this APA right. Respect!
Sep 29, 2019
Brew_42 from Massachusetts
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Abnormal Brewing in Busan, SK
Pours dark for a pale ale. Medium head with some lacing
Smell is tropical, piney, and hoppy.
Taste follows the nose but there is some maltiness and it is less bitter than I expected
Feel is bubbly and refreshing
Overall a solid pale ale.
Aug 12, 2019
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Abnormal Brewing in Busan, SK
Pours dark for a pale ale. Medium head with some lacing
Smell is tropical, piney, and hoppy.
Taste follows the nose but there is some maltiness and it is less bitter than I expected
Feel is bubbly and refreshing
Overall a solid pale ale.
Aug 12, 2019
teromous from Virginia
2.97/5 rDev -27.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
From the bottom of the can, on the edge: "05/01/19 CANNED 5E"
Appearance: The body is a dark beige that is opaque. It has a medium-sized head that is fluffy with pock marks on the surface. Good head retention. There are numerous chunks of sediment floating around in the glass. These chunks are large enough to be very noticeable.
Aroma: There is a bit of mango aroma and some floral scents. A bit of caramel and alcohol come through on the nose.
Taste: Caramel flavor comes through at first, then a soapy floral taste comes through.
Mouthfeel: It is smooth with a moderate bitter bite.
Overall: On the top of the can there is a line that states "JUICY, TROPICAL, HOP-FORWARD." This beer has a much more floral character. There is a touch of mango in the aroma but that's it. The bitter, soapy, floral hop character is at odds with the caramel flavor of the beer. It does push a decent amount of floral hop flavor, but it doesn't mesh well with this beer. On top of that, it just doesn't look appealing with such a large amount of sediment in the glass. Many rival dry-hopped and unfiltered beers manage to keep less sediment than this beer. It's an alright tasting beer if you enjoy a more floral hop character, but it isn't one I would recommend or drink again.
Jul 05, 2019
2.97/5 rDev -27.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
From the bottom of the can, on the edge: "05/01/19 CANNED 5E"
Appearance: The body is a dark beige that is opaque. It has a medium-sized head that is fluffy with pock marks on the surface. Good head retention. There are numerous chunks of sediment floating around in the glass. These chunks are large enough to be very noticeable.
Aroma: There is a bit of mango aroma and some floral scents. A bit of caramel and alcohol come through on the nose.
Taste: Caramel flavor comes through at first, then a soapy floral taste comes through.
Mouthfeel: It is smooth with a moderate bitter bite.
Overall: On the top of the can there is a line that states "JUICY, TROPICAL, HOP-FORWARD." This beer has a much more floral character. There is a touch of mango in the aroma but that's it. The bitter, soapy, floral hop character is at odds with the caramel flavor of the beer. It does push a decent amount of floral hop flavor, but it doesn't mesh well with this beer. On top of that, it just doesn't look appealing with such a large amount of sediment in the glass. Many rival dry-hopped and unfiltered beers manage to keep less sediment than this beer. It's an alright tasting beer if you enjoy a more floral hop character, but it isn't one I would recommend or drink again.
Jul 05, 2019
Victory_Sabre1973 from Minnesota
3.73/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a darker golden color. Fairy clear. 1 finger white head when poured from the tap. The head retention is quite good. The head just clings to the side of the glass as it dissipates.
The nose is fairy mellow. There's a bit of a hop presence, but not strong. Seems more citrus than pine.
Taste very hoppy. Somewhat bitter. Taste is pine, for sure. No citrus. Don't you how I got it on the nose.
The body is full. The hops cling to my throat.
Very good IPA.
Jun 20, 2019
3.73/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a darker golden color. Fairy clear. 1 finger white head when poured from the tap. The head retention is quite good. The head just clings to the side of the glass as it dissipates.
The nose is fairy mellow. There's a bit of a hop presence, but not strong. Seems more citrus than pine.
Taste very hoppy. Somewhat bitter. Taste is pine, for sure. No citrus. Don't you how I got it on the nose.
The body is full. The hops cling to my throat.
Very good IPA.
Jun 20, 2019
MattBeer from California
4.42/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
I had this beer during a business meeting at a restaurant in San Diego. I'm actually angling for another meeting down there just so we can go to the same restaurant and I can order this damn beer. It's so tasty!
May 01, 2019
4.42/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
I had this beer during a business meeting at a restaurant in San Diego. I'm actually angling for another meeting down there just so we can go to the same restaurant and I can order this damn beer. It's so tasty!
May 01, 2019
TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)
3.99/5 rDev -2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
5 week old can. Pours a clear dark caramel with solid 1 finger of whitish head.
Aroma is sweet caramel malt on a piney hoppy background - definite tropical notes.
Taste is malt forward - caramel, pineapple, tropical - bitterness is quite subdued though not absent by any means.
Mouthfeel is medium-light - easy drinking - creamy and tasty.
Feb 18, 2019
3.99/5 rDev -2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
5 week old can. Pours a clear dark caramel with solid 1 finger of whitish head.
Aroma is sweet caramel malt on a piney hoppy background - definite tropical notes.
Taste is malt forward - caramel, pineapple, tropical - bitterness is quite subdued though not absent by any means.
Mouthfeel is medium-light - easy drinking - creamy and tasty.
Feb 18, 2019
defunksta from North Dakota
4.15/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Look: Pours a vibrant, hazy, orange color with a white head.
Smell: Aroma is full of citrus hops.
Taste: The flavor matches the aroma with a strong citrusy flavor. The bitterness is mild to moderate and the hop intensity is recognizably lower than an IPA.
Mouthfeel: Well carbonated and well balanced. Not too light or heavy.
Overall: This is a well-crafted pale ale with strong citrus flavors that rival an IPA, while keeping the alcohol and hop bitterness in moderation. I would highly recommend.
Feb 10, 2019
4.15/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Look: Pours a vibrant, hazy, orange color with a white head.
Smell: Aroma is full of citrus hops.
Taste: The flavor matches the aroma with a strong citrusy flavor. The bitterness is mild to moderate and the hop intensity is recognizably lower than an IPA.
Mouthfeel: Well carbonated and well balanced. Not too light or heavy.
Overall: This is a well-crafted pale ale with strong citrus flavors that rival an IPA, while keeping the alcohol and hop bitterness in moderation. I would highly recommend.
Feb 10, 2019
dcscientist from Colorado
4.18/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Now here's what a West Coast pale ale should taste like. As a baseball fan I knew I had to try this beer when I saw it on tap at a restaurant, and the guy behind the counter even complimented my choice. So I suspected it would be a very good beer, and I was right. Not too hoppy, unlike some APAs from around these parts. Good balance, no bitter aftertaste. Would certainly get it again if it was available where I was.
Sep 04, 2018
4.18/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Now here's what a West Coast pale ale should taste like. As a baseball fan I knew I had to try this beer when I saw it on tap at a restaurant, and the guy behind the counter even complimented my choice. So I suspected it would be a very good beer, and I was right. Not too hoppy, unlike some APAs from around these parts. Good balance, no bitter aftertaste. Would certainly get it again if it was available where I was.
Sep 04, 2018
BlackBeerPirate from Illinois
3.44/5 rDev -16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Taste: tropical, citrus hops, maybe some piney notes. Spiced hop nose. Golden/Amber hue, semi clear, with tan head and delicate lace. Medium/light body. Still a hop forward Pale ale with only 13 IBUs.
Aug 01, 2018
3.44/5 rDev -16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Taste: tropical, citrus hops, maybe some piney notes. Spiced hop nose. Golden/Amber hue, semi clear, with tan head and delicate lace. Medium/light body. Still a hop forward Pale ale with only 13 IBUs.
Aug 01, 2018
BeanBump from California
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Im not much of a pale ale guy usually but, damnit, Alesmith won me over with this one. This beer is basically a staple anywhere you go in SD, thanks mostly to the Tony Gwynn association but even without the local plug, its a pretty fantastic beer. The ABV sits at 6% which is the sweet spot for a pale. Its not overly hoppy, not too sweet, perfectly crisp and not heavy at all. This beer holds up any season of the year.
Jul 26, 2018
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Im not much of a pale ale guy usually but, damnit, Alesmith won me over with this one. This beer is basically a staple anywhere you go in SD, thanks mostly to the Tony Gwynn association but even without the local plug, its a pretty fantastic beer. The ABV sits at 6% which is the sweet spot for a pale. Its not overly hoppy, not too sweet, perfectly crisp and not heavy at all. This beer holds up any season of the year.
Jul 26, 2018
Ciocanelu from Romania
3.7/5 rDev -10%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Slightly hazy golden colour with off- white head. Aroma has sweet notes like candied orange and resiny hop notes. Taste is hoppy but not too bitter, resiny with candied citrus notes. Medium body and carbonation. Quite decent pale ale. Old school but tasty and well made.
Jul 25, 2018
3.7/5 rDev -10%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Slightly hazy golden colour with off- white head. Aroma has sweet notes like candied orange and resiny hop notes. Taste is hoppy but not too bitter, resiny with candied citrus notes. Medium body and carbonation. Quite decent pale ale. Old school but tasty and well made.
Jul 25, 2018
beerthulhu from New Jersey
4.1/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
-Spiegelau ipa glass. Canned 01.10.18. consumed 06.20.18.
A: Dark sunset orange has a good glow and brightness from back lighting. A hearty dose of carbonation with an average size head is light beige in color and turns to a slight milky layering after a few moments.
S: Lightly tart lemon with a fresh burst of citrus/grapefruit that was fresh and wet and inviting. Some dank pungent flowery hops that can not be mistaken for anything other then columbus. Tart tropical scents are of very nice strength and remains fresh even after 5 months after canning. Dripping wet pine hops and toasted bread rounds things out.
T: Flavor of wet citrusy hops are juicy with some sweetened grapefruit. Toasted grains, lemony tart citrus with some backdrop of tropical fruit. good knockout of bright citrusy zing on the swallow.
M: Bright and bubbly effervesce, tight carbonation, makes for a sharp mouthful.
O: A classic example by style, can't go wrong with anything by Alesmith with loads of citrusy hops that are wet and juicy balanced with toasted malt character in true defining west coast fashion. Tropical spike of hops come on the finish, impressive start and finish with a high drinkability factor.
Jul 07, 2018
4.1/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
-Spiegelau ipa glass. Canned 01.10.18. consumed 06.20.18.
A: Dark sunset orange has a good glow and brightness from back lighting. A hearty dose of carbonation with an average size head is light beige in color and turns to a slight milky layering after a few moments.
S: Lightly tart lemon with a fresh burst of citrus/grapefruit that was fresh and wet and inviting. Some dank pungent flowery hops that can not be mistaken for anything other then columbus. Tart tropical scents are of very nice strength and remains fresh even after 5 months after canning. Dripping wet pine hops and toasted bread rounds things out.
T: Flavor of wet citrusy hops are juicy with some sweetened grapefruit. Toasted grains, lemony tart citrus with some backdrop of tropical fruit. good knockout of bright citrusy zing on the swallow.
M: Bright and bubbly effervesce, tight carbonation, makes for a sharp mouthful.
O: A classic example by style, can't go wrong with anything by Alesmith with loads of citrusy hops that are wet and juicy balanced with toasted malt character in true defining west coast fashion. Tropical spike of hops come on the finish, impressive start and finish with a high drinkability factor.
Jul 07, 2018
GarrettB from Colorado
3.8/5 rDev -7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
September 3rd, 2015 - A nice rich Golden Retriever color, it sports a healthy looking head too, and a dank and weedy aroma. A little - thematically - oiled baseball glove comes through the taste, too. But the taste is springy and herbal, with a grassy wildflower touch. The aftertaste lets some dank hops in too, and a luxury soapiness. For a heavily marketed beer, this has a lot of nuance.
May 20th, 2015 - .392 is a regional beer landmark by now, but this was my tasting way back before it showed up in cans and at Costco. A lighter brown with a thinner head, it looks un assuming, but the aroma shows off a promising hop bill, and a slightly copper metallic scent. The flavor finds its excellence in balance, with a bit of soapiness, a hoppy ping and braised grapefruit. The body is lighter and refreshing and matches the flavor brilliantly. The aftertaste expresses some rye and a slight floral touch, which further impresses me.
Jun 11, 2018
3.8/5 rDev -7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
September 3rd, 2015 - A nice rich Golden Retriever color, it sports a healthy looking head too, and a dank and weedy aroma. A little - thematically - oiled baseball glove comes through the taste, too. But the taste is springy and herbal, with a grassy wildflower touch. The aftertaste lets some dank hops in too, and a luxury soapiness. For a heavily marketed beer, this has a lot of nuance.
May 20th, 2015 - .392 is a regional beer landmark by now, but this was my tasting way back before it showed up in cans and at Costco. A lighter brown with a thinner head, it looks un assuming, but the aroma shows off a promising hop bill, and a slightly copper metallic scent. The flavor finds its excellence in balance, with a bit of soapiness, a hoppy ping and braised grapefruit. The body is lighter and refreshing and matches the flavor brilliantly. The aftertaste expresses some rye and a slight floral touch, which further impresses me.
Jun 11, 2018
NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania
4.24/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
AleSmith Brewing Company ".394 San Diego Pale Ale"
12 fl. oz. can, "CANNED 04/13/18" and sampled on 06/05/18
$2.49 @ Whole Foods, South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Notes via stream of consciousness: Well this is a nice looking glass of beer! It's a slightly hazy amber beneath a frothy head of off-white. The head retention appears to be quite good, and it's already left some nice lacing where the head has dropped. There's citrus and pungent resin in the aroma. It's not bold but it's clear enough. Some malt slips through as well. Very nice. Hmmmm, as might be expected the flavor is almost exactly the same. There's more malt to it, lightly caramelish and biscuity, and it blends really well with the delicately citrusy and softly resinous notes. A firm bitterness runs through it and it finishes dry with some residual bitterness and just a kiss of everything that came before. Wow, that's a really delicious, superbly balanced American pale ale. Looking back, I just noticed that I still have a solid surface covering of foam. The lacing didn't turn out quite as nicely as I thought it would be, but it's still OK. Final item, mouthfeel: medium bodied and crisp-then-smooth. Overall just superb. It delivers on every front without being overdone at all. Well worth seeking out.
Review# 6,048
Jun 05, 2018
4.24/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
AleSmith Brewing Company ".394 San Diego Pale Ale"
12 fl. oz. can, "CANNED 04/13/18" and sampled on 06/05/18
$2.49 @ Whole Foods, South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Notes via stream of consciousness: Well this is a nice looking glass of beer! It's a slightly hazy amber beneath a frothy head of off-white. The head retention appears to be quite good, and it's already left some nice lacing where the head has dropped. There's citrus and pungent resin in the aroma. It's not bold but it's clear enough. Some malt slips through as well. Very nice. Hmmmm, as might be expected the flavor is almost exactly the same. There's more malt to it, lightly caramelish and biscuity, and it blends really well with the delicately citrusy and softly resinous notes. A firm bitterness runs through it and it finishes dry with some residual bitterness and just a kiss of everything that came before. Wow, that's a really delicious, superbly balanced American pale ale. Looking back, I just noticed that I still have a solid surface covering of foam. The lacing didn't turn out quite as nicely as I thought it would be, but it's still OK. Final item, mouthfeel: medium bodied and crisp-then-smooth. Overall just superb. It delivers on every front without being overdone at all. Well worth seeking out.
Review# 6,048
Jun 05, 2018
timon from California
4.58/5 rDev +11.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
The Chronic!!! Holy crap....am I the only one??? This smells like chronic weed and even tastes a bit like a mix of chronic, grapefruit and tangerine. Looks very orange in a the glass....pretty....head is not great, though. Taste is very nice. But really, if you told me this was weed-beer of a high quality, I would not flinch. Totally the weed-lovers beer, imo.
Apr 24, 2018
4.58/5 rDev +11.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
The Chronic!!! Holy crap....am I the only one??? This smells like chronic weed and even tastes a bit like a mix of chronic, grapefruit and tangerine. Looks very orange in a the glass....pretty....head is not great, though. Taste is very nice. But really, if you told me this was weed-beer of a high quality, I would not flinch. Totally the weed-lovers beer, imo.
Apr 24, 2018
Bruno74200 from France
4.31/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This pale ale seems like a pale ale version of Sculpin IPA. Being the quintessence of what a west coast pale ale should be. With a aggresive grapefruit profile and some caramel notes. The whole is definitely bold and balanced. So drinkable
Apr 16, 2018
4.31/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This pale ale seems like a pale ale version of Sculpin IPA. Being the quintessence of what a west coast pale ale should be. With a aggresive grapefruit profile and some caramel notes. The whole is definitely bold and balanced. So drinkable
Apr 16, 2018
puck1225 from Texas
4.04/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a can into a tulip glass. Fairly clear golden orange color with a brief head and decent lacin. Subdued lemon smell with a citrus taste. A bit earthy with some pleasant bitterness.
Apr 09, 2018
4.04/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a can into a tulip glass. Fairly clear golden orange color with a brief head and decent lacin. Subdued lemon smell with a citrus taste. A bit earthy with some pleasant bitterness.
Apr 09, 2018
JackRWatkins from Alabama
3.63/5 rDev -11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: creamy, two-finger head; clean, clear, golden body.
S: citrus with pleasant malt undertones.
T: slightly sweet malt notes with citrus, tangerine specifically and a very slight bitterness
M: sharp and almost sticky
O: Very drinkable, very enjoyable, not outstanding, but very very good.
Apr 01, 2018
3.63/5 rDev -11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: creamy, two-finger head; clean, clear, golden body.
S: citrus with pleasant malt undertones.
T: slightly sweet malt notes with citrus, tangerine specifically and a very slight bitterness
M: sharp and almost sticky
O: Very drinkable, very enjoyable, not outstanding, but very very good.
Apr 01, 2018
dertyd from California
3.46/5 rDev -15.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The beer pours out a slightly hazy medium gold color, with 1 finger of white head--------------- the aromas are of orange marmalade, passion fruit, black tea and lesser floral/grass-------------- the flavors are of orange marmalade, black tea and sweet malt, the beer has a medium mouthfeel with a light bitterness on the finish---------------- overall this beer was nice it had some good things going on, but it tasted a little old to me and it was only 1 and a 1/2 months old, I got a lot of black tea flavor that I usually get in older hoppy beers, other than that it was fine ------
Mar 28, 2018
3.46/5 rDev -15.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The beer pours out a slightly hazy medium gold color, with 1 finger of white head--------------- the aromas are of orange marmalade, passion fruit, black tea and lesser floral/grass-------------- the flavors are of orange marmalade, black tea and sweet malt, the beer has a medium mouthfeel with a light bitterness on the finish---------------- overall this beer was nice it had some good things going on, but it tasted a little old to me and it was only 1 and a 1/2 months old, I got a lot of black tea flavor that I usually get in older hoppy beers, other than that it was fine ------
Mar 28, 2018
.394 San Diego Pale Ale from AleSmith Brewing Company
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
637 ratings
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