Amarillo Fresh Hop Pale Ale
Hellbent Brewing Company

 

Tried on tap at the Church Key in Edmonds, WA.

Poured from a mini-growler into a Sierra Nevada shaker pint. Pours a medium coppery amber with a half finger white head that dissipates to patches with good lacing. Aroma of lightly caramel malt, citrus hops, orange and tangerine, with a little grapefruit; somewhat mild aroma. Flavor is light caramel malt, citrus and piney hops, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, hints of stone fruit. Nice lingering citrus and lightly resinous pine hop bitterness with residual orange. Medium bodied with light creaminess, nice mouth feel. I decided to try this fresh hop as my introduction to Hellbent because it is obviously time limited, and I'm glad I did. Pale ales are not a sure style for me as I'm not fond of those with a light pale malt body. This has a very supportive malt base that has light caramel character, but shows off the single hop character quite well. The typical orangey quality is very much on display here with even some little orange juice ester notes. This is a very nice fresh hop ale, even at this time of year when we are awash with this style. I'm growing fond of Amarillo and this has boosted that appreciation and encouraged me to try out some of their other brews. Glad I stopped by.