Mikkeller Sparks (Gnister) American Pale Ale at 5.6% ABV (US$2.49 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 355 ml, packaged on 2-Feb-2017, acquired 15-May-2017, reviewed 16-Jun-2017)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale amber with three fingers of fluffy ivory head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy and pithy citrus, resiny pine, bready caramel malt, floral, earth. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Fairly big bitterness barely maintains dominance over sweet bready caramel. I’m not suggesting it’s unbalanced, or even tending towards an EPA, but there’s definitely a more emphatic malt presence than I was expecting. Still and all, well-balanced, with a lingering but not overwhelmingly bitter finish. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
