Monday, February 22, 2010

Keeping It Simple Tonight - Lancaster Brewing Amish Four Grain APA (PA)

Sometimes it's great to go with a basic beer. One's taste buds probably should only withstand two or three serious ravages per week to be on the safe side. In moments like that, I turn to brewers like Lancaster who make those great "go-to" brews.

Lancaster Amish Four Grain Pale Ale is an APA, or American Pale Ale. These are (typically) the slightly less hoppy relative of the IPA of British origin. American Pale Ales in general are made from local ingredients and according to many sources, acted as a major catalyst in the resurgence of American microbreweries. If that is true, what a glorious contribution to society. If it isn't...well they're still good beers, so that's all that really counts, right?!

Amish Four Grain Pale Ale is comprised of Saaz hops, rye, malted wheat, and oats (hence "four grains"). The idea is that these four grains will all balance one another and make for a great, smooth - although pale - ale. Let's see how they do.

AFGPA pours a nice copper hue with about a finger-width head that gradually recedes, offering a little bit of lacing. In terms of smell, go figure, it's very grainy: lots of wheat and bread-like aromas, maybe even with a bit of autumnal fruits (apples, etc.). The taste is about the same: slightly malty, almost nutty, but overall, very well-balanced. The hoppiness isn't terribly evident, but for a beer with 22 IBU (International Bitterness Units), that's to be expected.

Overall, there isn't anything too complicated about this beer. It's a great session beer, just for kicking back during dinner (in other words, what I'm doing right now) or even on its own.

Lancaster Brewing - Amish Four Grain Pale Ale ***/***** (3 out of 5 stars)
Image Accessed at: http://www.united-nations-of-beer.com/images/amish-four-grain-pale-ale-41258.jpg

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