1500 Dry Hopped Pale Ale – Drake’s Brewing

Drake’s makes a lot of amazing seasonal beers, but they also have some outstanding year round brews. One of my favorites has to be the 1500 Dry Hopped Pale Ale. Originally brewed for their 1,500 batch of beer, the brewers decided to brew a big hoppy beer, yet keeping the alcohol level down to increase drinkability. Turns out everyone liked it so much, that it is now brewed year-round. Simcoe and Amarillo hops are blended in the fermenter, just after fermentation has finished, to give it a distinct aroma of pine and citrus.

Pour is a slightly hazy golden orange with a small amount of bubbly head that doesn’t stick around for very long. The aroma is amazingly hoppy with notes of citrus and stone fruit with just a hint of pine. It’s on the thicker side of medium bodied with a good amount of carbonation. The flavor starts out with a sweet tropical fruitiness that moves to a subtle bready malt and finishes with a bitter citrus peel hoppiness. The aftertaste is a dry mix of citrus peel and a bit of caramel malt.

One of the reasons I really like this beer is that it brings a huge hop flavor without a big ABV, making it perfect for having with a meal or enjoying a few at a barbeque. This beer is widely available in six-packs at a number of major retailers. I highly recommend giving it a shot next time you’re looking for a great hoppy beer to try.

Cheers
Beer Guy LA