I’ve been
hearing some fairly disturbing news lately. Specifically, some
climatologists are saying that global warming may be altering our planet’s
ecosystems in ways that may not be conducive to the growing of barley and
hops. That could mean a somewhat less beery future, and I don’t know about
you, but I’m not feeling warm and fuzzy about that idea.
So, I’m drinking up while we still have plenty of beer. And one of the beers
I’ve been drinking plenty of lately is Great Divide Denver Pale Ale.
Now, there’s nothing too much different about Denver Pale Ale from plain old
pale ale, but I will submit to you that this is indeed one dynamite glass of
beer.
Great Divide is known for their line of robust and tasty hand-crafted brews,
and Denver Pale Ale is often considered to be their flagship brew. It’s one
more awards than you can shake a stick at, and if you don’t believe me just
visit their website: they have a long list of them.
Great Divide Denver Pale Ale
Anyway, all that chewy caramel is accented by a bit of juicy ripe fruit
flavor and a delightfully herbal and piney hop aroma. The hops hit you, as
hops usually do in beers like this, gradually and incrementally as they
build into the finish, which here is delightfully bitter with a long and
lingering dry aftertaste.
Now, Great Divide calls this a “classic pale ale”, which of course I would
disagree with if you think that a classic pale ale would be an English pale
ale, as I do. It’s more of an American pale ale, which is a hoppier pale ale
somewhere in between an English pale ale and an IPA. Michael Jackson once
called it “a very refreshing, appetizing American-style pale ale”. And who
is anybody to argue with him when it comes to beer?
American pale ales don’t get much better than this one. A wonderful balance
of malt and hops, Great Divide’s Denver Pale Ale is a true winner that you
shouldn’t miss. But you’d best hurry and find some, before the world runs
out of beer.
Update August 4, 2012: Tonight I enjoyed a mug of Great Divide Denver Pale Ale at Taco Mac. Once again, this was a delicious American Pale Ale, although curiously the hop profile in the finish seemed a bit different. I didn't get so much piney aroma as herbal, grassy this time, and the beer seems to have picked up a more intense bitterness in the finish. Still, the malt profile in the middle is tasty indeed and more than up to the task of providing a base for the hops. A bit pricier than i would like for a pale ale ($6.75 for a pint), but I definitely enjoyed this beer from a freshly tapped keg.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler