Tree Brewing Co. Cutthroat West Coast Ale American Pale Ale at 5% ABV | 36 IBU (C$3.00 at Oak & Vine, 500 ml, best before 28-Dec-2017, acquired 22-Aug-2017, reviewed 25-Aug-2017)
Appearance: clear pale amber with one finger of rocky ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin ring, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: caramel & toffee, citrus, earth, hint of diacetyl. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish short duration slightly buttery finish. (3/5)
There is not one damn thing “West Coast” about this. It’s pleasant enough, sure, but it’s malt-dominant. I mean, it smells like an Amber, an ESB, or maybe even a Dopplebock: all chewy malt and English-style hops. And it doesn’t seem to be age, since the date on the can is the end of December. And lo and behold, when I check their web site, they describe it as “predominant toffee”. What the hell? Words have meaning, folks! Just because you’re on the west coast doesn’t automatically make all your beers “West Coast” style! And then, to top it off, a hint of buttery diacetyl. “West Coast” of where, I ask? England? (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
