-
Stop lurking! Log in to search, post in our forums, review beers, see fewer ads, and more. — Todd, Founder of BeerAdvocate
Catamount Pale Ale
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- American Pale Ale
- ABV:
- 5.5%
- Score:
- 89
- Avg:
- 4 | pDev: 13.75%
- Reviews:
- 15
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Oct 12, 2012
- Added:
- Sep 18, 2001
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 0
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by jermar:
Reviewed by jermar from Massachusetts
4.95/5 rDev +23.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
4.95/5 rDev +23.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
This is a fanstastic beer and thank God Harpoon was thoughtful enough to continue to produce it. Great fresh hop aroma and flavor combined with nice malt sweetness and refreshing bitterness. The genius of the beer really becomes apparent as it begins to warm.
Apr 01, 2002More User Ratings:
Reviewed by marcobrau from Illinois
4.42/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.42/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Boo hoo.
I'm told this beer is no longer being produced, so snatch some up while you can, because Catamount Pale Ale is one of the best American pale ales I've come across. This beer is bursts with a floral hop aroma as its poured into a pint glass. A decent head forms and slowly falls to thick collar. I love this pale ale like I love Goose Island India Pale. I love it for its simplicity. Hops and malt and then hops again. Fresh floral hops first, then citrus-like hops with a bit a sweet malt and then a mildly bitter finish. I love the "flavor" hops in this beer and how they play against the malt. The best part is how fresh this beer seems. The worst part is that it is going away.
Sep 06, 2003I'm told this beer is no longer being produced, so snatch some up while you can, because Catamount Pale Ale is one of the best American pale ales I've come across. This beer is bursts with a floral hop aroma as its poured into a pint glass. A decent head forms and slowly falls to thick collar. I love this pale ale like I love Goose Island India Pale. I love it for its simplicity. Hops and malt and then hops again. Fresh floral hops first, then citrus-like hops with a bit a sweet malt and then a mildly bitter finish. I love the "flavor" hops in this beer and how they play against the malt. The best part is how fresh this beer seems. The worst part is that it is going away.
Reviewed by Jason from Massachusetts
4.48/5 rDev +12%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
4.48/5 rDev +12%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Presentation: 12 oz brown bottle with the proud cat on the label. "Bottled On" date on the neck.
Appearance: Profound and bright amber gold colour with a meringue-like head that leaves a web lace trail of lace.
Smell: Sweet grain and mild biscuit, herbal and citrus aromas. Hint of fruitiness also from the yeast.
Taste: As smooth as it is crisp, malty and medium bodied. Sweetness comes from both the malt and a juicy fruit / floral hop oil flavour, bit of graininess and the hop bitterness is soft yet balances flawlessly. Light fruitiness from the hops of citrus, heavy hand of hop flavour in the finish as it lingers on and on.
Notes: To call this brew drinkable is certainly not giving it enough credit, very palatable with a big hop profile though the bitterness is not huge. I could happily quaff down my share of this brew any night of the week.
Jul 10, 2003Appearance: Profound and bright amber gold colour with a meringue-like head that leaves a web lace trail of lace.
Smell: Sweet grain and mild biscuit, herbal and citrus aromas. Hint of fruitiness also from the yeast.
Taste: As smooth as it is crisp, malty and medium bodied. Sweetness comes from both the malt and a juicy fruit / floral hop oil flavour, bit of graininess and the hop bitterness is soft yet balances flawlessly. Light fruitiness from the hops of citrus, heavy hand of hop flavour in the finish as it lingers on and on.
Notes: To call this brew drinkable is certainly not giving it enough credit, very palatable with a big hop profile though the bitterness is not huge. I could happily quaff down my share of this brew any night of the week.
Reviewed by TPoling from Texas
4.15/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
4.15/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Catamount Pale Ale pours a deep golden with a creamy head that sticks around for the first half of the party and then turns in early, leaving behind decent lace. The smell is hoppy with perhaps some Northwest variety and some Saaz. The scent of sweet malt competes with an almost astringent character.
The taste is big hops up front before the sweetness takes over with the astringency falling more into the background as it warms. The ale finishes with a short-lived, but pleasant aftertaste.
Jun 08, 2003The taste is big hops up front before the sweetness takes over with the astringency falling more into the background as it warms. The ale finishes with a short-lived, but pleasant aftertaste.
Reviewed by OldFrothingSlosh from Pennsylvania
3.78/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
3.78/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Presentation: 12oz. amber bottle. No freshness dating.
Appearance: Dark orange color with a thickly sticking white head.
Smell: Very, very floral hoppy aromas. Slight aroma of sweetness in the background, but it is definitely floral.
Taste: The floral aroma transitioned into the flavor as well. Bitter hops invade the palate, raising the flag of citrus hops in your mouth. There are pockets of futile resitance from the small bands of malty sweetness that have managed to survive, but they are quickly cut down by the withering hops. And this is a good thing.
Mouthfeel: Crisp and dry with a slight puckering effect. Just slightly on the "thin" side for me. It got a little better as the beer warmed, though.
Drinkability: As a hop-head, this is a very drinkable beer. The lack of any lingering aftertaste, the clean finish, and the hoppy bitterness combine for an easy-to-drink beer.
Apr 29, 2003Appearance: Dark orange color with a thickly sticking white head.
Smell: Very, very floral hoppy aromas. Slight aroma of sweetness in the background, but it is definitely floral.
Taste: The floral aroma transitioned into the flavor as well. Bitter hops invade the palate, raising the flag of citrus hops in your mouth. There are pockets of futile resitance from the small bands of malty sweetness that have managed to survive, but they are quickly cut down by the withering hops. And this is a good thing.
Mouthfeel: Crisp and dry with a slight puckering effect. Just slightly on the "thin" side for me. It got a little better as the beer warmed, though.
Drinkability: As a hop-head, this is a very drinkable beer. The lack of any lingering aftertaste, the clean finish, and the hoppy bitterness combine for an easy-to-drink beer.
Reviewed by PhantomVodoo from Ohio
3.53/5 rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.53/5 rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Copper hued golden color with an off-white head.
Strong aroma of floral hops, pale malts, alcohol and a touch of citrus.
Taste shows floral hops taking a stronghold. Pale malt sweetness is also evident. Alcohol seems to be too noticeable and out of place in this one. It detracted from the beer's strong points.
Mouthfeel was a bit thin and watery.
Drinkability was good except for the overstated alcohol presence.
Overall, a good beer that seemed a bit odd, though.
Apr 12, 2003Strong aroma of floral hops, pale malts, alcohol and a touch of citrus.
Taste shows floral hops taking a stronghold. Pale malt sweetness is also evident. Alcohol seems to be too noticeable and out of place in this one. It detracted from the beer's strong points.
Mouthfeel was a bit thin and watery.
Drinkability was good except for the overstated alcohol presence.
Overall, a good beer that seemed a bit odd, though.
Reviewed by bewareOFpenguin from Massachusetts
4.3/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.3/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Great tasting pale ale. It was dry, not sweet at all. Good carbonation, great amber color. The hops were great also. I sucked this down so quick I wish I had bought more than one. Just a great all around beer, a tribute to the original Catamount Brewery I remember.
Mar 24, 2003Reviewed by LarryKemp from Texas
3.6/5 rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
3.6/5 rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
This pale ale poured clear golden with a nice white head. The lace stayed on the glass for a long time.
The malt aroma was all that I smelled.
The hop bitterness took over the taste right from the beginning. There was no maltiness or malt sweetness The beer finished dry and the bitterness lingered long on the tongue.
The mouthfeel was average at best. Somewhat watery with no carbonation. If it were summer and hot, it might be thrist quenching but it is February so . . .
It is a slightly better than average beer and I find it drinkable. It probably would not be a beer I would recommend.
Feb 27, 2003The malt aroma was all that I smelled.
The hop bitterness took over the taste right from the beginning. There was no maltiness or malt sweetness The beer finished dry and the bitterness lingered long on the tongue.
The mouthfeel was average at best. Somewhat watery with no carbonation. If it were summer and hot, it might be thrist quenching but it is February so . . .
It is a slightly better than average beer and I find it drinkable. It probably would not be a beer I would recommend.
Reviewed by bmills1608 from Pennsylvania
3.92/5 rDev -2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5
3.92/5 rDev -2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5
Deep (very deep) gold color. Puffy thick Lilly white head. Sticky hoppy head for sure
Nose is spicy citrus, very fresh and young, vibrant, with pine needles jumping out of the glass. The taste is crisp and hard, with toasted malt, lemon zest and citrus fruits. The overall taste profile is hop flavor and aroma. It comes close to dominating the whole beer but never really does, just enough malt backing to keep it from going over the edge.
Finishes with fresh hops, bitterness and dry.
Feb 25, 2003Nose is spicy citrus, very fresh and young, vibrant, with pine needles jumping out of the glass. The taste is crisp and hard, with toasted malt, lemon zest and citrus fruits. The overall taste profile is hop flavor and aroma. It comes close to dominating the whole beer but never really does, just enough malt backing to keep it from going over the edge.
Finishes with fresh hops, bitterness and dry.
Reviewed by feloniousmonk from Minnesota
4.12/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.12/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A clear amber color, below a fine snow-white head. Nose is fresh and fruity, wafting out suggestions of peach, citrus, apricot, cherries, hell, everything nice under the sun! Plus a whiff a sea-foam. Palate takes a great hit of hops, but becomes mellow and smooth thereafter. Wow, this is awfully tasty, as delicious as all the get-out on God's Green Earth! Medium body, nice texture, delicious finish. Singularly hoppy and palate pleasing, this is a very well-produced and satisfying pale ale. "Enjoy Vermont", says the label, below a proud puma. Well, I did, Vermont, and I thank Marc77 for sending this my way.
Feb 03, 2003Reviewed by jdhilt from New Hampshire
3.13/5 rDev -21.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
3.13/5 rDev -21.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pours with a good head, no lace, golden color and light bodied not much nose to this - some hops even though the brewer says 'the hops provide a floral aroma'. This is a summer time or session beer. Easy to drink, some hoppiness but not much, the finish is hoppy but weak.
Jan 23, 2003Reviewed by marc77 from California
3.88/5 rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
3.88/5 rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Brilliantly clear light copper in hue, topped by a creamy, uniform one fingered layer that leaves loose lace. Pleasantly citrusy hop nose upfront, followed by mellow light caramel malt and hints of dry base grain breadiness. Mild apple like fruitness is perceptible with a swirl and deep inhale. Clean, rounded, hop bitterness is perceived at first, then token malt character surfaces at a stately pace. Mirroring the aroma, light caramel sweetness and bready pale malt form the appropriately light malt backbone. Expectedly citrusy hop flavor. Lightly bodied, with a crisp, refreshing overall nature. Finishes mostly dry, w/ mild residual sweetness sliding off the tip of the tongue. A no frills, squeaky clean APA. Excellent quaffability. Surprisingly reminescent of Boulevard Pale Ale in the bottle, albeit a touch more citrusy.
Jan 22, 2003Reviewed by kelticblood from Massachusetts
3.94/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.94/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nothing exceptional about the pour or the appearance.Floral aroma of hops and malt.The color is a gold and orange.Poured a medium head that dissolved fast leaving some lace.The taste is of hops right off and finishes bitter.A very crisp and well carbonated Pale Ale.Overall very good.Well brewed and well balanced.
Note:Finish is refreshing at first but turns dry after.Hints of citrus and wheat are also noted.
Jan 15, 2003Note:Finish is refreshing at first but turns dry after.Hints of citrus and wheat are also noted.
Reviewed by doerickson from Virginia
4.05/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
4.05/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Golden color with nice clarity. White head dissipates to a lace right quick. Bready and fruity aromas with a bit of citric hop to boot. Active carbonation helps impart a crisp mouthfeel. Pretty thin body; not overly flavorful. I don't seem to taste much in the way of maltiness; hops carry the day, but not so much so as to throw the brew out of whack. A very solid American Pale Ale.
Sep 19, 2002Reviewed by beernut7 from Massachusetts
4.5/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This is by far one of the best pale ales of the East. Pure gold color and sweet aroma. This beer has a nice medium body, perfect hop spicyness and a thick flavorful malt profile that balances out the hops just right. Smooth. Awesome.
Jun 04, 2002
Catamount Pale Ale from Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Beer rating:
89 out of
100 with
20 ratings
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! Check out: How to Review a Beer. You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!