Review - Capitol City Brewing Company's Pale Rider Ale
"Our American style pale ale is medium to full bodied with an assertive hop bitterness and aroma. The flavor and fragrance of American hops mush with a strong malt backbone." -- Capitol City Brewing Company
This gift from Brace pours a cloudy deep amber color with a golden touch, topped by a nice smooth frothy white head. Lacing has decent cling leaving a cascading choppy residue, surrounding a mostly diminished head that's reduced down to almost nothing. Aroma is of a subdued grapefruit nose providing the hoppiness mixed in with a wet grass scent, reminiscent of a marsh. It is balanced off with a gentle maltiness with a light bread with a light doughy yeast. First taste is very aggressive with a very balanced taste, malty up front, giving way to a strong push of hops, and then the two meld together to create a nice creamy mouthfeel. Lingering taste of apricot. Medium bodied, it has a gentle fizz with a very dry finish. The beer comes at us on many fronts, providing a very complex taste, balanced aroma, and great mouthfeel.
Reviewed on November 29th, 2007.
