Beer Review: August Schell Brewing - Pale Ale

Ahh, the northwoods of Minnesota. Nothing like being out on a boat with a cooler of beer catching your sustenance. August Schell Brewery boasts that it is the second oldest operating brewery in America. My only guess is that Yuenling is #1.

August Schell Pale Ale 

This beer was brewed in celebration of the 135th Anniversary of Schell's several years ago. It was so popular, we re-introduced it under the name German Pale Ale.

Pale Ale is really a hybrid—the best characteristics of an India Pale Ale's English malts and hops, combined with a German Alt yeast. It is medium in color, with a pronounced bitterness and a pleasant flowery hop aroma. Schell's is the only brewery that produces this particular beer style.

Beer Style: Pale Ale

Alcohol by Volume: 5.75%

Characteristics: Rich maltiness with a distinct hop bitterness.

Appearance: Pours a crystal clear golden copper color with a very thin white head that doesn't last long. Not much lacing. 

Aroma: Bready malt with a slight tartness to it. Herbal, earthy English hop character.

Flavor: Bready malt up front with a very slight caramel undertone. Slightly tart that reminds me of sourdough bread. Bitterness lingers throughout with earthy, grassy, herbal flavor. Finishes dry and slightly mineral.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with medium to high carbonation. Carbonation is prickly at the end of the sip.

Overall: Not something I would call an APA. Tastes more like an English bitter with higher carbonation and more body. Crisp and tart. Overall a refreshing pale ale that the flavor lingers for a bit. A little bit of caramel malt would be nice to even out the tartness.