If you’ve been poking around the blogosphere and the interwebz in search of Craft Beer knowledge over the past couple years, then you are probably aware that canned beer is very much on the rise. Our friends at the Beer and Whiskey Brothers blog have talked about this phenomenon on numerous occasions, and we at “It’s just the booze dancing…” spent the early part of Summer 2011 searching for The Ultimate Summer Beer (availability in cans was the #1 criteria).
One beer that is always mentioned when the subject of canned Craft Beer arises is Dale’s Pale Ale by the Oskar Blues Brewery. Although I’ve had it on numerous occasions, I have yet to write up a formal review. Before I get down to business, here is what Oskar Blues has to say about this extremely popular beer:
America’s first hand-canned craft beer is a voluminously hopped mutha that delivers a hoppy nose, assertive-but-balanced flavors of pale malts and hops from start to finish. First canned in 2002, Dale’s Pale Ale is a hearty (6.5% and 65 IBUs), critically acclaimed trailblazer that has changed the way craft beer fiends perceive canned beer.
And now for the review…
- Appearance: Hazy orange color that reminds me of a late summer sunset at the Jersey Shore (without the Snooki of course). Thick, slowly dissipating, quarter inch head. Good bit of lacing remains on the inside of the glass as you drink it down.
- Aroma: Tangerines. Honey. Tea biscuits. Citrusy hops.
- Taste: Smooth and creamy mouthfeel. Medium carbonation with lots of tiny bubbles that tingle your tongue. Starts off with those sweet malt flavors. The citrusy hops start to build towards the middle and lead you to a moderately bitter and lingering finish. Though the hops dominate the aftertaste, some of those sweet malt flavors remain in the background to lend some balance.
- ABV: 6.5%
My food and beverage ADHD is well documented on our blog. I am always searching for something new and exciting that will tickle my taste buds. So what does it say about a beer when I have purchased it on numerous occasions?
Over the past 12 months I’ve purchased Dale’s Pale Ale for two birthday parties, and I’ve even purchased a twelve pack to keep on hand for casual drinking. Dale’s Pale Ale is smooth, crisp, well balanced, and very session worthy. It even comes in a can that could have been designed by Andy Warhol. This is a beer that is great on it’s own or with a wide variety of food. If you have yet to try the Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale, then I suggest that you pick up a six-pack immediately. This is a damn good beer!
