Aiken Double Pale Ale

8.5% ABV. The aroma was caramel citrus and a strong presence of alcohol. The aroma was fruity and a bit phenolic. Caramel, biscuit and toast were present along with a very strong presence of acetaldehyde (fresh cut green apple). The beer arrived lightly hazy deep golden amber with a tall beige long lasting head which laced the glass. The flavor was fruity with a strong citrusy presence and an extra strong acetaldehyde character. The finish was dry with lasting strong green apple far too long and awfully into the aftertaste. The body was medium-full with a moderate level of carbonation and a creamy texture on the palate. The alcohol warming post consumption was substantial. A beer to surely be skipped! Pint at Aiken.

Draft. Dark brown-copper with a creamy and lasting head. Aroma is earthy fruit - cantaloupe maybe - and some caramel malt. Flavor is big malt with a great cantaloupe-fruity-earthy hop balance, and some alcohol. Medium bodied and alcohol tingly; would make a nice warmer. Unique and tasty.

Draught. Pours stark red with a tan head. The aroma is quite tame for the style with minimal bitterness. Similar to their English IPA, I get mostly malts on this one. Strong hints of fruit and bread are there but also hints of grapefruit and pine. The mouthfeel is slick with heavy suggestions of sweet, dried fruits. It’s a very malty IIPA with hops as a backdrop, considering the style boundaries. However, the nuances in this are many: melons, grass, grapes, berries, rye. I’m glad to see something like this brewed in South Carolina finally. It’s a good start after raising the 6% cap.

Tap. Strong caramel malt and citrus hops aroma. Dark amber color with small head. Sweet caramel malt masterfully blended with a strong sweet orange-pineapple hops flavor. Full bodied with alcohol level not apparent. Given it’s only been legal to brew a strong beer like this in SC for about 2 months, Aiken BC didn’t waste any time and did a great job to boot. A great beer.