Aroma: “Hops are not assertive—what’s there smells floral, like springtime. Notes of red apple and grass with a touch of telephone pole resin. Moderate esters, mild hops, and light, toasty, biscuity malt notes.”

Flavor: “Clean malt barely balanced with crisp hops bitterness. Clean fermentation produces light fruit esters and malt is bready and fairly complex for style. Hops are slightly piney and fruity (red apple again). Finishes fresh and inviting—pleasantly mild hops flavor and a clean bitter finish that leans a bit toward the British style.”

Overall: “Enjoyable if somewhat malt-focused pale ale. Hops aroma could use a bump to bring it to the level of its contemporaries. Pretty well-balanced except for the odd apple ester. It could benefit from more hops, and specific American-style hops, to kick up a more inviting aroma. Very drinkable—I like it, but not as an APA.”