Polar Park Brewing Co. Archipelago Pale – American Pale Ale at 5.1% ABV | 30 IBU (C$3.55 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 24-Oct-2019, acquired 29-Nov-2019, reviewed 3-Dec-2019)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale amber with two fingers of loose white head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap and ring, minimal spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: pine, citrus, tropical fruits, sweet caramel. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, medium duration bitter finish. (4/5)
Another new-to-me local(ish) brewery, this one out of Edmonton, and a “Canadian Pale Ale” – so presumably like an APA, but with free health care and no guns? Lame political jokes aside, this is pleasant, with a restrained sweetness on the tongue that’s less than expected given the fruity bouquet. Label notes say Cascade, Citra, and Galaxy, and that’s pretty much what I’m getting on the nose: a four-way tie between pine, citrus, tropical fruits, and sweet caramel. Could be prettier, could be brighter, but at the end of the day it’s smooth, easy-drinking, and flavourful – works for me. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
