Ok, I will start out by saying that I enjoy many a lot of what comes out of Short's. Having had a lot of their stuff, I finally decided to try the Pandemonium Pale ale. I really dig a lot of the various IPA's, however I felt this being an APA was more like a English Pale Ale then an American Pale Ale.... Thoughts? I could be wrong on this, but it just taste more like an English PA to me. Overall, its good. Just not what I expected.
I haven't had tons of Short's' beers, but I think I've pretty much given up on them. They overuse fuggles, which has its place, just not in a lot of the situations they use it. Also, I remember when buying from them was a crapshoot as to whether it would be a gusher or not.
As an IPA/Stout kinda guy, I think they make some solid IPA's. I like how they go outside the box to make things for better or worse. But to say this is an APA, is maybe a bit off. English PA and APA are two very different tasting beers. This is more of an English to me, or at best an English meets APA. As an English PA this is tasty. But to me the hops are not coming through very well because of the malt(s) used....... for a apa style anyhow.
Well if there are fuggles like the above poster states then that can be a reason as it is an english hop. English malt that would be in a pale ale woudl prob be Maris Otter and you can brew an APA with it.
I can see that. Type of situation where you are going to drink a Coke, but the can is filled with Pepsi....... Atleast when both BA and Shorts website say its an Apa. Guess I will just sum this up as its a very good English style PA. :-)
I believe Pandemonium is made with Glacier Hops. MrOH--I hope you'll give us another try. Our QC department has been doing a great job as of late and I don't think you'll have any issues anymore with gushers. Just be sure to check the code date so you know it's fresh.
Grabbed a sixer of it last year when they brought a bunch of their beers with them during GABF week. Stuff tasted like liquified metal and that whole six pack got drain poured. I have stayed far, far away from them ever since.
Your palate may have been off that day because this brewery makes very good beers. They had some QC issues in the past, but those are three years behind them now. Give them another chance if you get the opportunity.
Before dumping the entire sixer, I did give it a second chance on another day. Tasted the same to me.
Agreed, one of the best brewers in the Midwest IMO. I'm not a huge fan of Pandemonium, but most of their stuff I think is top notch, especially their experimental stuff.
I do agree. I really dig what Short's is doing. I think they have solid basics, and go outside the box for others. I have so far loved everything "ipa" I have tried. As for Pandemonium, its good, but the not typical apa style beer I was expecting. I find it smells and taste a lot like an english style. Being someone over the years that has taken to APA and AIPA style hoppy beers, I enjoy that quality very much now and was just feeling a bit let down. I do feel back knocking this one because I do dig what Short's is doing and I believe they make high quailty craft beer. So that being said, for those of you who are not supporting them, you are truly missing out on some very solid and in some cases unique offerings....
I don't think I'm missing out on too much, the last Short's beer I had was Good Samaritan a couple of months ago that I bought while visiting MI for a wedding. Had a definite dirt flavor that I didn't dig, and I was really looking forward to it, as I had made a couple of graffs the previous season. I do enjoy Soft Parade when its really hot out, fwiw.
New dirt....? thats harsh..... maybe earthy? I am not really into fruit based beers, but did have their soft parade and it was well crafted. just not my style.
Yeah, dirt. Soil. I also pick it up in Old Peculier, which I love, but it's an Old Ale with some dark malts and it plays out well. In a fruit based beer, not so much.
