Pale Ale
Riverside Brewing Company

Much improved from recent tries- this beer is very nicely hopped with full rich body and mouthfeel. Not as overtly bitter as some of the most popular beers in this style, but the hops are more rounded and enjoyable- this increases its drinkability.

Very typical of the style, and served too cold, but very tasty and enjoyable.

I've been drinking variations on this Pale Ale (officially called "Pullman Pale Ale" after the Pullman railway car) since the brewery opened in 1992, and it has improved and faded and improved over the years (numerous brewers), and I would say this is the best version I have tried (June 2006).

Appearance: orange-copper color true to the style. My pint had no head...not sure whether to attribute this to the long trip from the bar or to the quality of the beer.

Smell: hops aroma was barely noticable over the skunk smell either from the glass or more likely the tap.

Taste: the pale ale was too dry for me. I did like the balance between the malt and hops after-taste.

Mouthfeel: anemic. As I said before, this beer was very dry; so much so that each sip left me feeling thirsty.

Drinkability: this is not an exciting pale ale. This beer is something I would enjoy drinking in quantity, with a bunch of friends, in a smokey bar.

A deep amber color with a generous beige head and ample lace, nose is sweet malt; clean and fresh, start also sweet, maybe too much so, top is skeletal in feel. Finish is brisk in its acidity and the hops fair to middling and the aftertaste dry, still just barely an average beer