Become Like They Are: Reaper Deathly Pale Ale
Nov 19 '03
The Bottom Line Don't fear this reaper.
You really shouldn’t fear the reaper. At least not when it comes to beer. I’ve mentioned this before, when I was talking about the old Netherworld Brewing Company’s Grim Reaper Barleywine Style Ale. Netherworld didn’t have a brewery, instead contracting out production of their beer. Reaper Ales seem to have that same sort of incorporeal existence, as intangible as the reaper himself. That’s because Reaper Ales are brewed by the Bayhawk Brewing Company of Orange County, California.
As I write this, I’ve just come home from picking up my very first few bottles of Reaper Ales. Surprisingly, these beers are sold in 22 ounce “bomber” bottles, a packaging format that seemed for the most part to be, err, dead. You just don’t see all that many beers packaged in them these days. But Reaper ales come in bombers and kegs only, at least for now.
Reaper Ales are sold in California, Nevada, Kentucky, and as of October of 2003, Georgia. If you live in Arizona, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey, however, take heart: these states may start receiving cases of the brand soon. My advice: when you see this beer on your store’s shelves, buy it.
Deathly Pale Ale has won the following awards:
1st Place Eldoradro Blues & Brews Festival, Reno NV 2003
Gold Medal California State Fair 2002
Gold Medal California State Fair 2001
Deathly Pale Ale pours to a rather, well, pale golden color with a light creamy head formation and an intensely fruity nose. A steady coating of Brussels lace follows the liquid all the way to the bottom of your glass. The palate is delicate in it’s malt character with a touch of biscuity flavor. A subtle buttery flavor is discernible. There’s a lot of fruitiness here, I get notes of pineapple and citrus. But the biggest star here is the hop bitterness. It’s gentle at first, and slowly increases as you sip until it intensifies into a hugely bitter, citric hop finish.
The appetizing dryness of this beer makes it a perfect choice for a before sinner (I mean dinner) drink, but I think it would go well with spicy foods too. It just doesn’t get much better than this. This is a delightful extra pale ale, loaded with hop character. I’m glad it made its way to Georgia, and I hope some day it makes its way to your state too.
For some excellent pictures of the bottle labels, visit:
www.reaperale.com
And, to read Tom Carr’s (4-1-1) excellent review of this beer go to:
Deathly Pale Ale
EPINIONS CRITERIA:
Overall Rating: Five Stars
Beer Rating: A must-sensational
Weight: Medium Body
Flavor: Very bitter
Complexity: Complex
Price: $3.49 per 22 ounce bottle
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