Great Divide Brewing Company DPA
What the brewers say
“DPA is a world-renowned, classic pale ale with a malty middle and an equally hearty complement of hops aroma, flavor, and bitterness.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Slight earthy and herbal hops notes, but yeasty esters quickly come out to dominate the aroma. Apple cider, over-ripe pear, slight mustiness of a fallen apple set out in the sun too long. A mild caramel malt note. As it warms, a slight cheese rind aroma emerges. Esters tend toward the floral or fruity, almost pineapple. Smells like sourdough at first.”
Flavor: “The hops come through with nice earthy and spiced character and moderate bitterness. Smooth round malt flavors, caramel and dark crystal notes with a nice clean finish for an English pale. Mid-level hops bitterness balances well with the malt body. There is a noticeable amount of herbal and floral hops flavor, but they aren't allowed to shine behind the overly British yeast character.”
Overall: “Enjoyable pale ale. The malt character was nice and provided some richness without overtaking the beer. The earthy spiced hops were showcased well. Sweet malt aroma is appropriate for EPA. Nice beer for enjoying by a fire reading a good book.”
