Pale 31 is a “California Pale Ale” from Paso Robles’ own Firestone Walker. It clocks in at an average 4.8% ABV.
One of the most award-winning American style pale ales in the country. This is the American beer style that started a revolution in taste. We’ve taken the classic British pale ale and elevated it with a wonderful dose of northwest American hops. A crisp floral hop aroma precedes a medium-bodied clean finishing ale.
It pours a delectable golden-orange with plenty of carbonation visible. The head stick around for a while; crowning the beer with a half-inch of eggshell-colored foam.
Upon opening the bottle, you get an initial blast of pine-like hops. But this soon fades to a pleasant lemon/citrus scent. Slight, and I mean slight, bready malts can also be picked up.
Pale 31 is a very well-balanced beer. You get just enough of the pine and the lemon in each drink to keep everyone happy. It could almost be described as a hoppy wheat beer. As the beer warms, the hops take over with the citrus just popping in at the end to say hello.
There’s a slight bite in the mouthfeel that increases when you swish the beer around in your mouth. Drying also occurs, but the lightness of the liquid keeps it from being too distracting.
Pale 31 is a good beer. I think it would be a great introduction to “hoppy” beers for someone who’s used to only drinking wheat beers. Hoppy enough to retain its American Pale Ale moniker, but smooth enough to be drank on a hot summer’s day.
Overall 7.5 out of 10
As an AMERICAN PALE ALE: 7.5 out of 10
FOR FANS OF: Sierra Nevada PALE ALE, Deschutes MIRROR POND, Widmer DRIFTER PALE ALE
