Harper's American Pale Ale
Founders Restaurant & Brewing Co.

This is a pale ale of all pale ales. APA, damn. This beer is pretty darn hoppy for an APA. The color is nice clear amber with a thick white head. This head won't be leaving anytime soon, so enjoy it. The scent is of hops and some more hops. Strong and enjoyable. Not real spicy, kinda floral in flavor. Overall, if you enjoy a nice APA with solid hops, great flavor, and full bodied, then sit down and have a pint, or two, or three.

All of the beers at Founder's are named for the Founder's of Virginia, and this one is a doosey! Their bold, unfiltered American Pale Ale (it's really an IPA) is named for Captain John Harper who ran many successful businesses and somehow "found time to marry twice and father 29 children". It's hazy amber-gold body is topped by a huge head of brilliantly frothy white foam. The head retention is excellent and it holds a short cap throughout the entire pint as well as leaving some very nice lace. The aroma delivers bright, bold Cascade hops that are more floral than sharply citrusy due to their combination with the sweet malts. The body is medium and it has a very fine, seemingly natural carbonation that's crisp in the mouth. The hops return in the flavor along with a rich, biscuity malt that's lightly sprinkled with caramel. It finishes dry, drenched in resinous hop flavor. Exceptionally well-balanced and very drinkable.