Some APAs I think Deserve More Credit

Zombie Dust

 

Daisy Cutter

 

Great Lakes Burning River

 

I love the fruity yet crisp/quenching quality that Southern Tier's Live brings to the table- mango/kiwi/tangerine- great stuff- and hopefully they have enough of a winner on their hands that it continues to be available and fresh.

It's limited in availability and draught only, but Rushing Duck's Naysayer is just exceptional in every way. I wish I could get it more often.

On the other end of the spectrum, for old-school English Style Pale Ales I find that Sam Adams' Boston Ale is still bringing it, just perfectly balanced and flavorful.

I suppose Anchor Liberty is an APA these days, so it also deserves a mention- plus, with July 4th coming up, it's the perfect time of year to get some.

 

Odd Side Citra Pale Ale is very good, but relatively unknown outside of Michigan/Midwest. Kuhnhenn's Fluffer is also a hometown favorite of mine.

EDIT: apparently Fluffer is technically a "session IPA". Whatever. At 4.75% ABV, it's an APA to me.

 

I love Southern Tier Live. I saw that this is going to be year round via their website. Its a fantastic beer to session and not get filled up on. Had 5 or 6 out for a sporting event once and still felt great.

 

Long Trail's Pale. Better than their IPA.

 

Row 2 Hill 56 is an exceptional beer - anyone know whether it will be bottled again for distribution?

 

Here are three apa's that deserve some credit. Horseheads pale expedition ale. A delicious treat that was malty fantastic ( I like malt) and then troegs pale ale and southern tier live. If I had to come up with a fourth and fifth place I would say alesmith X which was delicate and fabulous, and sierra nevada pale which is a steady sure thing.

 

Agreed on Alesmith X - however, I often overlook it because I Prefer Alesmith's IPA :-)

 

New Glarus Moon Man

 

2nd on the Moon Man. If you are ever in Wisconsin do yourself a favor. Wild stuff at an unbelievably low price.

 

Just tried it this week. In Wisconsin from Ohio and I was blown away.

 

Two Brothers Sidekick Extra Pale Ale. I absolutely love this stuff. It's all about the tropical and citrusy hops. It has a great aroma and packs a lot of thirst quenching flavor, but isn't very bitter as the IBUs are only in the 35 range. As a bonus it comes in cans and is just over 5% abv. A perfect summer beer.

As mentioned Southern Tier Live is great too. Tall Grass 8 Bit with Galaxy Hops is very solid and reasonably priced too. I slightly prefer Sidekick to either, but I'm drinking a fair amount of all of these this summer.

 

Maine Beer Company Peeper Ale
I just had Newburgh's Paper Box and that was a nice below the radar one.

 

Abita's Restortation Pale Ale - way underrated!

 

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Flat12 Walkabout Pale Ale

 

Big fan of Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale, because it is a nice beer and takes me back to drinking it at an outdoor bar right on the water in Portsmouth.

Also really like Terrapin Rye Pale Ale (which I am pretty sure is classified as an APA here)

But I think the most underrated or overlooked in terms of price and availablility may be Victory Headwaters Pale Ale. One of the perfect beers to buy if you are having a Summer picnic. Never met anyone who didn't like it (unless they just don't like beer), and it is flavorful but easy to drink.

 

Never heard of it.