Whistler Brewing Co. Unique Brew SMaSH American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV (C$9.99 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 946 ml, best before 31-Oct-2016, acquired 29-Jun-2016, reviewed 29-Jun-2016)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two growing fingers of fluffy ivory head, good retention and moderate clingy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grainy caramel malt, pine, light citrus and grassy/herbal. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter finish. (3/5)
Philosophically, I like the idea of SMaSH ales – there’s something pure about them, a singularity of purpose. In the real world, the drawback to SMaSH ales is, well, their singularity of purpose – it’s hard to play a symphony with a one note horn. I don’t have major objections to the choices here. The Canadian Superior Pale Ale malt is fine, albeit somewhat plain-jane caramel in nature. And I guess Chinook hops aren’t a terrible choice here, since they’re considered dual-purpose, but they’re just not very… complex. Ultimately you end up with something that’s solid, but not exciting. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
