Big Mountain
Alaskan Brewing Co.
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- From:
- Alaskan Brewing Co.
- Alaska, United States
- Style:
- Pale Ale - American
Ranked #751 - ABV:
- 5.7%
- Score:
- 86
Ranked #19,683 - Avg:
- 3.82 | pDev: 9.42%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Nov 14, 2020
- Added:
- Feb 11, 2014
- Wants:
- 8
- Gots:
- 45
SCORE
86
Very Good
86
Very Good
Notes:
Light copper color, dry hopped with Simcoe, Mosaic and Calypso hops.
45 IBU
45 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
2.12/5 rDev -44.5%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2
by 7yph0on from Washington
I have tried this ale every time it first hits the shelves (back when it was more seasonal) and while the look and feel is good, the smell has always had a hint of the taste in it. There's literally an ammonia aftertaste that's quite terrible. I've checked the dates, always fresh. Tried it multiple times over several years. Even tried to talk to Alaskan about it but they treated me like I knew nothing of beers and the ammonia/cat box notes were 'all the rage' so I must be some hater. Look, I really like their Amber and the WINTER is possibly the best I think they make. I do enjoy many of their beers but cannot recommend this Big Mountain ale
Nov 14, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2
by 7yph0on from Washington
I have tried this ale every time it first hits the shelves (back when it was more seasonal) and while the look and feel is good, the smell has always had a hint of the taste in it. There's literally an ammonia aftertaste that's quite terrible. I've checked the dates, always fresh. Tried it multiple times over several years. Even tried to talk to Alaskan about it but they treated me like I knew nothing of beers and the ammonia/cat box notes were 'all the rage' so I must be some hater. Look, I really like their Amber and the WINTER is possibly the best I think they make. I do enjoy many of their beers but cannot recommend this Big Mountain ale
Nov 14, 2020
4 by bdlusa from Texas on Jun 02, 2019
3.75 by ptat from Delaware on Aug 03, 2018
3.85 by kylehay2004 from Illinois on May 20, 2018
3.3 by Futbolmanby from Michigan on May 01, 2018
3.15/5 rDev -17.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by ColoradoRich from Colorado
Hoppy for a pale ale, citrus and sweet taste. Fine but would pass in favor of others for future
Apr 19, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by ColoradoRich from Colorado
Hoppy for a pale ale, citrus and sweet taste. Fine but would pass in favor of others for future
Apr 19, 2018
3.38 by McHenry from Wisconsin on Dec 17, 2017
3.25/5 rDev -14.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by Schlitz74 from Illinois
This beer pours a nice amber color with about a finger of off white head. There is very little lacing left on the glass. This is slightly above average. I will say that this beer is a session beer if you have 2 or 3.
Oct 19, 2017
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by Schlitz74 from Illinois
This beer pours a nice amber color with about a finger of off white head. There is very little lacing left on the glass. This is slightly above average. I will say that this beer is a session beer if you have 2 or 3.
Oct 19, 2017
4.25 by MacStinson from Michigan on Oct 16, 2017
3.77/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by rodbeermunch from Nevada
For whatever reason I remember drinking these with Jerry. Anyways, this pours golden and has a good amount of clarity and 1/2" white head. Aroma was interesting, there's been simcoe and amarillo it seems like.
Taste was a nice bitter middle of the road pale ale. Mild dry pale toasted malts, golden promise. Good hop flavor, dank forest, mild tropical fruit along the lines of papaya and pineapple. Well carbonated. Seems like it also has that Chinook hop flavor and bitterness at the same time. The light body is enjoyable yet sturdy. Definitely one of Alaskan's best, if not the best hoppy beer.
Sep 15, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by rodbeermunch from Nevada
For whatever reason I remember drinking these with Jerry. Anyways, this pours golden and has a good amount of clarity and 1/2" white head. Aroma was interesting, there's been simcoe and amarillo it seems like.
Taste was a nice bitter middle of the road pale ale. Mild dry pale toasted malts, golden promise. Good hop flavor, dank forest, mild tropical fruit along the lines of papaya and pineapple. Well carbonated. Seems like it also has that Chinook hop flavor and bitterness at the same time. The light body is enjoyable yet sturdy. Definitely one of Alaskan's best, if not the best hoppy beer.
Sep 15, 2017
2.97/5 rDev -22.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
by mmmbeer89 from New Mexico
There's nothing special about this beer, it's a solid pale ale but nothing your gonna remember after your done drinking it. Most other beers from alaskan brewing company are better.
Sep 14, 2017
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
by mmmbeer89 from New Mexico
There's nothing special about this beer, it's a solid pale ale but nothing your gonna remember after your done drinking it. Most other beers from alaskan brewing company are better.
Sep 14, 2017
3.34/5 rDev -12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by jimmah120 from Minnesota
12oz bottle into stemless wine glass
Great looking with a sticky cap of foam that stays. Smell is dull; it's just dry leaves and soapy hops. This alternates between tasting like a very bitter average apa and soapy dishwater. The hops at times show a lot of fruit flavor (apple, pear, pineapple), but mostly fall flat
Not bad, but the flavors can clash. In an overcrowded APA market this isn't even on my radar
Sep 13, 2017
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by jimmah120 from Minnesota
12oz bottle into stemless wine glass
Great looking with a sticky cap of foam that stays. Smell is dull; it's just dry leaves and soapy hops. This alternates between tasting like a very bitter average apa and soapy dishwater. The hops at times show a lot of fruit flavor (apple, pear, pineapple), but mostly fall flat
Not bad, but the flavors can clash. In an overcrowded APA market this isn't even on my radar
Sep 13, 2017
3.33 by robertrh from Texas on Aug 26, 2017
3.46 by casapy from Idaho on Aug 18, 2017
3.99/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by dcotom from Iowa
Poured cold from a 12-ounce bottle into a standard pint glass. Clear light copper colored body. A tentative pour yielded a one-finger white head that quickly settled into a thin ring. Not much lacing. Very pleasant burst of pine and citrus aromas upon opening the bottle. nicely balanced in terms of both aroma and flavor. Besides the aforementioned pine and citrus, there are floral notes, light biscuit, and orange zest. The zesty bitterness is quite lovely as it lingers on the palate. This turned out to be a pleasant surprise, a very well crafted and excellent beer.
Aug 01, 2017
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by dcotom from Iowa
Poured cold from a 12-ounce bottle into a standard pint glass. Clear light copper colored body. A tentative pour yielded a one-finger white head that quickly settled into a thin ring. Not much lacing. Very pleasant burst of pine and citrus aromas upon opening the bottle. nicely balanced in terms of both aroma and flavor. Besides the aforementioned pine and citrus, there are floral notes, light biscuit, and orange zest. The zesty bitterness is quite lovely as it lingers on the palate. This turned out to be a pleasant surprise, a very well crafted and excellent beer.
Aug 01, 2017
4/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by tigg924 from Massachusetts
Pours clear, tan in color with 1/4 inch head. Taste is hay, papaya, pear, and mosiac hops. Medium bodied, moderate carbonation. Makes for a really enjoyable malty treat.
Aug 01, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by tigg924 from Massachusetts
Pours clear, tan in color with 1/4 inch head. Taste is hay, papaya, pear, and mosiac hops. Medium bodied, moderate carbonation. Makes for a really enjoyable malty treat.
Aug 01, 2017
3/5 rDev -21.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by davidward from Florida
This pale ale along with Alaskan's Amber is just too sweet for me.
Jul 26, 2017
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by davidward from Florida
This pale ale along with Alaskan's Amber is just too sweet for me.
Jul 26, 2017
3.99/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Lone_Freighter from Vermont
The appearance has a beautiful somewhat clear golden amber colored body with a nice gentle coating of lacing sticking through rings around the sides of the glass. The head is a good one finger’s worth and dissipates within about thirty seconds. The smell has super large amounts of citrusy fruits pummeling my nose in a sweet drastic way and ends up letting the grapefruit dominate. Some light spice does come out as well. Some light malts do come out near the end of the drink as it warms. The taste is bittersweet like a fantastic APA should. The aftertaste has a combined bittersweet quality to it. It leaves a good bitter dry finish. On the palate, she sits about a light to medium in body, and showcases a very good harsh-like quality like a good APA should. Carbonation is good for the style and for me as it shows just enough harshness for the style and just enough to sit just right on my mouth and tongue. Overall, pretty nice APA that I would have again.
Jun 05, 2017
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Lone_Freighter from Vermont
The appearance has a beautiful somewhat clear golden amber colored body with a nice gentle coating of lacing sticking through rings around the sides of the glass. The head is a good one finger’s worth and dissipates within about thirty seconds. The smell has super large amounts of citrusy fruits pummeling my nose in a sweet drastic way and ends up letting the grapefruit dominate. Some light spice does come out as well. Some light malts do come out near the end of the drink as it warms. The taste is bittersweet like a fantastic APA should. The aftertaste has a combined bittersweet quality to it. It leaves a good bitter dry finish. On the palate, she sits about a light to medium in body, and showcases a very good harsh-like quality like a good APA should. Carbonation is good for the style and for me as it shows just enough harshness for the style and just enough to sit just right on my mouth and tongue. Overall, pretty nice APA that I would have again.
Jun 05, 2017
3.81 by bigpoppa67 from Wisconsin on May 29, 2017
3.75 by StoutAtTheDevil from Alabama on May 25, 2017
4 by powdersoldier from Washington on May 24, 2017
3.8/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Stevedore from Oregon
12oz bottle, fairly fresh- best by date is 3 months away. Served in a snifter glass. Pours a darker copper-orange body, one finger offwhite head, lots of retention, bits of lacing. Smell is grain, biscuit, touch of honey, orange peel, citrus, slight floral resin. Flavour follows the nose, although a little sweeter than expected; biscuit and honey, mild grainy bread, orange peel, grapefruit, with a slightly astringent but reasonable bitter floral on the finish. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, appropriately drinkable and carbonated for the style. Straight forward APA with a good hop and malt balance.
May 22, 2017
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Stevedore from Oregon
12oz bottle, fairly fresh- best by date is 3 months away. Served in a snifter glass. Pours a darker copper-orange body, one finger offwhite head, lots of retention, bits of lacing. Smell is grain, biscuit, touch of honey, orange peel, citrus, slight floral resin. Flavour follows the nose, although a little sweeter than expected; biscuit and honey, mild grainy bread, orange peel, grapefruit, with a slightly astringent but reasonable bitter floral on the finish. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, appropriately drinkable and carbonated for the style. Straight forward APA with a good hop and malt balance.
May 22, 2017
3.89 by 98green from Michigan on Apr 27, 2017
3.11 by nmann08 from Virginia on Apr 11, 2017
3.21 by Grupatre from Michigan on Dec 25, 2016
3.8/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by gandres from Philippines
12 ounce bottle to wine glass
Appearance: amber clear, clear medium foam that quickly disappears
Aroma: hoppy, grains
Taste: medium bitterness sweet follow through
Palate:Lively carbonation, long finish, but low bitterness lingers, carbonation but drops quickly
Overall: very good pale ale
Drank: 9/17/2016 10:52 PM
Sep 18, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by gandres from Philippines
12 ounce bottle to wine glass
Appearance: amber clear, clear medium foam that quickly disappears
Aroma: hoppy, grains
Taste: medium bitterness sweet follow through
Palate:Lively carbonation, long finish, but low bitterness lingers, carbonation but drops quickly
Overall: very good pale ale
Drank: 9/17/2016 10:52 PM
Sep 18, 2016
3.77 by WoodBrew from Ohio on Aug 28, 2016
3.37 by Jeremiah_Nelson from California on Aug 21, 2016
3.6 by morrowd3 from Vermont on Jul 14, 2016
3.87 by MatthewD4 from Alaska on Jul 06, 2016
3.75 by km02600 from Michigan on May 26, 2016
3.75/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
by whatthehull from California
Poured into a snifter/tulip/wine glass from a 12 oz bottle
A - Very pretty translucent deer copper, little to no white head and little to no lacing
S - Huge yeast up front, toasted malts/grains, very earthy, simple but nice pine/citrus hops, slight sugar, lightly floral, crisp mountain air and terroir
T - The taste definitely runs a little flatter than the nose. Everything in the nose is their for sure the only note that stands out is a very big floral and malt that melds awesomely.
M - Medium minus body, medium acidity, medium carbonation, decent balance, decent complexity and a very malty APA from start to finish.
D/O - Overall this ale is quite refreshing. Drinks like a pilsner or a lager but tastes a whole heck of a lot better. Simple, tasty and the glass ends up being empty pretty quickly.
Final Thoughts - Not sure on price as it came in a IPA sampler 12-pack that was $11. The abv is under 6% which is both good and bad, haha. Worth a go or two.
Apr 13, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
by whatthehull from California
Poured into a snifter/tulip/wine glass from a 12 oz bottle
A - Very pretty translucent deer copper, little to no white head and little to no lacing
S - Huge yeast up front, toasted malts/grains, very earthy, simple but nice pine/citrus hops, slight sugar, lightly floral, crisp mountain air and terroir
T - The taste definitely runs a little flatter than the nose. Everything in the nose is their for sure the only note that stands out is a very big floral and malt that melds awesomely.
M - Medium minus body, medium acidity, medium carbonation, decent balance, decent complexity and a very malty APA from start to finish.
D/O - Overall this ale is quite refreshing. Drinks like a pilsner or a lager but tastes a whole heck of a lot better. Simple, tasty and the glass ends up being empty pretty quickly.
Final Thoughts - Not sure on price as it came in a IPA sampler 12-pack that was $11. The abv is under 6% which is both good and bad, haha. Worth a go or two.
Apr 13, 2016
3.89 by Smak_Hermann from Idaho on Apr 02, 2016
3.75 by jgunther71 from Illinois on Nov 29, 2015
3.84/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
by Libeertarian from Montana
Stunning, mostly clear bright copper. Head is tan, large, pillowy, retains incredibly well. Lots of large-bubbled lace. Resin, citrus zest, orange or grapefruit, mango aromas. Much of this is lost or subdued on the palate, apart from resin, which is now more like pine. Crackery, grassy, exquisite dried fruit notes, not so much citrus. Peppercorns and herbs in the back. Bordering on perfumy, not unpleasant in my estimation. Light to medium, lower level of carbonation, may be available in spring, but it's meant for the heat of a summer day.
Nov 23, 2015
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
by Libeertarian from Montana
Stunning, mostly clear bright copper. Head is tan, large, pillowy, retains incredibly well. Lots of large-bubbled lace. Resin, citrus zest, orange or grapefruit, mango aromas. Much of this is lost or subdued on the palate, apart from resin, which is now more like pine. Crackery, grassy, exquisite dried fruit notes, not so much citrus. Peppercorns and herbs in the back. Bordering on perfumy, not unpleasant in my estimation. Light to medium, lower level of carbonation, may be available in spring, but it's meant for the heat of a summer day.
Nov 23, 2015
3.85/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by stevoj from Idaho
Bottle from Brewers Haven. Pours out with a huge fluffy head, hazy medium golden body. Light citrus hoppy nose, but taste comes in much stronger, grapefruit, tangy. Its that tang that lingers. Malts can be detected in the background. Very satisfying, quenching, tasty APA.
Nov 13, 2015
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by stevoj from Idaho
Bottle from Brewers Haven. Pours out with a huge fluffy head, hazy medium golden body. Light citrus hoppy nose, but taste comes in much stronger, grapefruit, tangy. Its that tang that lingers. Malts can be detected in the background. Very satisfying, quenching, tasty APA.
Nov 13, 2015
3.72 by entenduintransit from Tennessee on Aug 26, 2015
3.5 by jjwisenheimer from Indiana on Aug 10, 2015
4 by jpuetz from South Dakota on Aug 04, 2015
4/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by pat61 from Minnesota
L: A gold amber pour with just a slight haze supports a 1” white foam collar that slowly recedes to a thin film. S: Malt, spice, earthy hops. T: Biscuit and light fruitleadying to a dry bitter finish with melon notes. F: Medium to medium light body and medium carbonation. O: A good serviceable beer but not outstanding.
Jul 31, 2015
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by pat61 from Minnesota
L: A gold amber pour with just a slight haze supports a 1” white foam collar that slowly recedes to a thin film. S: Malt, spice, earthy hops. T: Biscuit and light fruitleadying to a dry bitter finish with melon notes. F: Medium to medium light body and medium carbonation. O: A good serviceable beer but not outstanding.
Jul 31, 2015
Big Mountain from Alaskan Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
86 out of
100 with
184 ratings