Deschutes Brewery WOWZA! – American Pale Ale at 4% ABV (C$3.25 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 2-Apr-2020, acquired 15-Apr-2020, reviewed 21-Apr-2020)
Appearance: hazy straw with a short, short-lived white head, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, berries, pale crackery malt. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, lively carbonation, off-dry short slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
The brewer notes say this is hopped with Citra, Simcoe, Cashmere, and Callista, giving pretty much exactly the aroma profile I’d expect and free of any of the negatives sometimes associated with the starts-with-C hops. Other than the less-than-stellar appearance, I initially would have described this as being quite a nice APA, low-calorie or otherwise. However, there’s a slight thinness and astringency in the finish that’s making me back slightly off from that statement. I don’t know if it’s the chicory root or the light malt bill, but either way it’s a slightly disappointing finish to a beer that was otherwise pleasant and easy-drinking. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
