Victory Brewing Company Headwaters Pale Ale

**Aroma:** “Clean citrusy hops aroma with a slight malt sweetness. Woody, floral hops with a light citrus edge evoke orange peel, mild vanilla, and black pepper. Perfume-like aromatics—very floral. Light bready malt notes in the back. Grapefruit comes out as it warms. Nutty yeast aromas and spicy phenolic notes. Esters of pear or plum.” **Flavor:** “Slightly bready malt bill balanced to style by classic West Coast citrusy hops. Spicy, almost Belgian phenolic yeast character with a light wheat tartness, decent floral hops flavor under the spice, pineapple. Peach and cranberry notes. Malt is bready and slightly sweet with a clean finish. Lingering bitterness in finish without harshness.” **Overall:** “Good example of a West Coast pale ale in terms of hops character and overall balance. Leans toward the phenolic character of a Belgian pale ale, but very tasty. Caramel sweetness may be a bit high for style, but the layers of malt and ester flavors add interest. A full-flavored, excellent choice to pair with richer dinners.”

**Aroma:** “Nice strong hops in the nose—grassy and earthy with some sweet grapefruit and citrus notes and an almost vanilla note underneath the citrus. A very unique and wonderful aroma that lasts throughout the tasting—the hops almost jump out of the glass. Slight cattiness to add complexity, but subtle enough to not be off putting.” **Flavor:** “Very juicy for a pale ale. The hops are present and showcased but not overpowering. Amazingly clean pale that allows the hops flavor to dominate and shine! Over-ripe citrus flavors, mostly orange, with very nice resiny, piney hops flavors. Finishes slightly dry with a lingering grapefruit sweetness and slight bitterness.” **Overall:** “An amazing beer that’s a master course in hops presentation. The hops are expertly showcased using a perfectly crafted base beer that’s bitter, dry and yet remains balanced—all characteristics that accentuate the hops and keep the beer very drinkable. This beer really showcases how APAs can be a great canvas for hops.”

Robust pineapple-citrus nose, with sweet orange and coconut. In the flavor, pineapple, OJ, Kush weed, lemon, and grapefruit get together and jam. Light, pleasant hop bitterness stays with you. Great body rounds it out while still allowing hops to shine. Lots going on here, and I dig it. Really enjoyable. Keeps you coming back for more.