False Peak
Forest & Main - The Brewery

Its overly generous head is just-off-white, carrying a mere tint of the color of the liquid. Thusly revealed, after the entire contents of a pint can were emptied into a clear glass liter mug. Brightly copper-amber in hue and relatively clear lies the brew beneath the foam. The aroma is delightfully earthy, with both malt and hops contributing equally. To taste, this may carry too much rich barley malt to appease lovers of the West Coast American Pale Ale, but for those that appreciate a traditional IPA, this is heaven sent. Unlike some, including many of the best in the category, WCPAs, this also includes a solid malty backbone. That combination makes it a true IPA lovers' treat. It's malty, without being sweet and hoppy, without being too bitter. The level of bitterness is more than enough to offend those that don't like Pale Ales and their ilk, although it may fall a little short of what devoted hop heads are seeking. The relatively sparse glass lacing is not close to indicating its mouthfeel, which is decent and maybe better than the standard West Coast style beer.

 

 

16oz can purchased from the fridge as a single for $5.99 plus tax. This has been released a few times recently; I think that since I probably purchased this can in March, that means that it was probably released at the end of September 2023. That would make this can 13 months old.

Look: It has a beautiful dark copper / reddish amber color. There was a rocky light tan colored head two fingers deep that slowly crumbled. After giving the foam time to relax, I added some beer on top and the head is being retained. Nice lacing.

Smell: Nice aromas of sweet grainy malt and light pine. Light citrus notes. It's very earthy and a bit woodsy. Peppery also. Toasty, light caramel notes. I totally get the strawberry jam note that they described. Smells very much like Smucker's jam. Very interesting.

Taste: This beer is super drinkable, tasty, and refreshing. It's very clean. I can't help but think that the beer has lost a bit of its vigor after being canned over a year ago, but it still tastes mighty fine so we will take it as is. Up front, the toasted grain and light caramel malt come through, followed by earthy pine, a bit of spicy pepper, and pithy citrus. Nice bitter orange rind flavor. The finish has a firm but not overpowering bitterness and it lingers long. It has a nice chewy maltiness on the finish. There is a slight bit of tanginess that is really nice, brings in that strawberry jam flavor from the nose and it tickles the palate ever so slightly. Kind of reminds you of those old timey strawberry hard candies.

Feel: It's very clean. Medium minus mouthfeel with a bit of chewiness.

Overall: It's cool to see how much complexity and drinkability a beer can have when it is singularly hopped with Cascade. This beer is echoing Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, but with a bit more caramel malt character. I kind of think that this reminds me more of Celebration Ale, but this is 5.6% ABV and Forest & Main already makes a winter seasonal IPA (Merriment) that echoes Celebration Ale. Overall, this is really tasty. Another great offering from F&M!

 

 

on draft at the brewery

clear, dark copper color, thick off-white colored head. Nice citrus and dank piney hoppy flavor. Firm underlying bitterness. Thin to medium bodied.