San Diego Beer Blog

Alesmith X Extra Pale Ale is an outstanding example of a pale ale brewed here in San Diego by the masters at Alesmith. This hazy golden beer is 5.5% alcohol, hopped perfectly and absolutely delicious. I consume this brew on a regular basis.

American Pale Ale (APA) is a style of American beer based at least originally on beers of the British pale ale tradition. They are pale to amber in color and generally their flavor and aroma is centered around the citrusy and pine character of American hops with caramel-like malt flavors and fruity esters from the ale yeast playing a supporting role. The style evolved in tandem with a renewed interest in ales and the insurgence of microbreweries in the United States which brought about a new focus on American hops.
- Wikipedia American Pale Ale

Appearance
Golden colored beer with a perfectly white head. As evident by the photo, carbonation abounds in this beer. I’ve had bottles surge from time to time, although it’s not major. The head retention on this beer is massive, I’ll need to update with some photos at a later date.

Taste
DELICIOUS. Very clean, slightly hoppy, not overdone, a little dry. This is what a pale ale should taste like, very refreshing. I can’t think of anything this beer wouldn’t be good with.

Availability
22s or on draft in the greater San Diego area. There was a shortage of this beer several months (years?) back that didn’t make me too happy, but it has been flowing since!

Awards

•  Silver - California State Fair
• People’s Choice Award - 2000 San Diego Real Ale Festival
• Second Runner Up People’s Choice Award - 2001 San Diego Real Ale Festival

Rating

If you didn’t know already, I love this beer. You can never go wrong with Alesmith and this is a prime example of just that. Highly recommended!