Prison City 4 Piece Pale Ale Simcoe

What the brewers say

“Exclusively hopped with Simcoe, this beer is soft bodied and clean, very dry with notes of pine, citrus fruits, and peaches.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “It starts with floral aromas and lemon highlighting things. But we had to tease that out because it’s fairly subtle for the style. As it warms, a cracker-like malt plays second fiddle to orange, tangerine, and general citrus with a touch of a soapy character.”

Flavor: “Light body with a touch of wheat malt-like sweetness. Hops bring lemon and peach with a slightly grassy note. Bitterness is low-medium and lingers. Then comes a hoppy pineapple character with some dank undertones with an earthy mushroom-like flavor. Thin body with a lack of chewiness that the style is known for. Toward the end of the sip there’s a light green coffee spiciness. Finish tends toward sweet, which accents the high fruit hop contribution.”

Overall: “Substantial, high hop flavor without excessive bitterness. Hops and grain bill lend a sweetness to the finish.”