Knee Deep Brewing Co. N/E Auburn American Pale Ale at 4.5% ABV | 40 IBU (C$6.49 at Oak & Vine, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 25-May-2018, reviewed 27-May-2018)
Appearance: clear straw with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: dank resiny pine, pale crackery malt, citrus zest, melon. (8/10) Taste: moderate-low sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body tending slightly thin, moderate carbonation, dry lingering bitter slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
I was honestly expecting an auburn-coloured ale, so I was more than a little surprised by the colour. Not that I’m complaining about the colour – but the fact is, it’s consistent with the body, which tends slightly thin with a slightly astringent bite. That imbalance makes me think that magic 10:1 IBU:ABV relationship starts to break down at low ABVs. (I’m also not entirely sure what makes this “NE”, since it’s not juicy or hazy, but is quite bitter.) Decent, but lacking depth and roundness to make it great. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
