Na Zdravi !: X - Pale Ale

Sunday, September 24, 2017

X - Pale Ale

"This refreshing, light-golden Extra Pale Ale embodies drinkability. AleSmith X pushes the limits by offering a level of flavor not often found in this classic style. Fresh American hops are abundant but carefully balanced by a light, crisp body and smooth bitterness. Notes of citrus and pine combine with a delicate malt sweetness to create a flavorful drinking experience."

Wonderful smell of orange zest and malt.
Wow is this a tasty beer! The citrus is up front but not overpowering. Crisp, clean with a nice combination of sweet and tart. Pleasingly effervescent.
The most enjoyable new beer I've tried in some time (and may have snuck into my top 10).

5.2% ABV, 24 IBU

Na Zdravi!

A 10-second take.
Not really reviews, just my way to keep track of the beers I've tried.

My mother's family is Czech. They emigrated from Bohemia and settled in Nebraska in the mid-1800s.
They were from the region that included the town Pilzen (Pilsen) where a brewery called Měšťanský pivovar Plzeň, now Pilsner Urquell (Plzeňský Prazdroj in Czech), started brewing a uniquely Bohemian-style beer we now know as pilsner.
So, as I raise a glass in honor of my Bohemian roots ...

Na Zdravi! (to your health).

Hops?

A "hop" is the cone shaped resinous flower of the female hop plant. It is used in brewing to add bitterness, flavor, aroma, and stability depending on when it is added.

Hops are one of the 4 basic ingredients of beer although they are not esential in the brewing process. The are used simply to add flavor and complexity to the brew.
Double and even triple IPA's feature an extreme amount of hops, and an ABV to match.
Noble Hops - The traditional varieties of hops that were used to make early European beers. Medieval brewers used Hallertau, Saaz, Spalt, and/or Tettnang hops. All are from Germany except Saaz from the Czech Republic (Žatec in Czech). All are still used today.