Blackhorse McGee’s Pale Ale

Brewed by Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
Style: American Pale Ale
Clarksville, Tennessee USA

Appearance: Near clear, copper-toned body with a fizzy, though persistent, white head. Smell: Spicy, earthy, mildly citrusy hops in the fore, fairly pale malts in the middle, and, as is Blackhorse’s wont, some lightly buttery diacetyl in the back. Taste: Pale malts with an added dose of sugared sweetness. The hops begin spicy and earthy, then rolls out some hints of lemon zest. Medium (if even) bitterness. Finishes drying, but with some final bittersweet and buttery hints. Mouthfeel: Medium-light body. Medium carbonation. Drinkability: With diacetyl creeping into their entire lineup, well, that’s just sloppy brewing. Trying my very best to look past such carelessness in one’s craft, it would be an acceptable pale ale.

Golden orange with a whitish head, nice sticky lacing. Aroma is caramel, floral hops. Taste is decent, caramel, floral, citrus hops.

Knoxville Brewer’s Jam sample. Poured a clear amber with a one finger white head. Aroma of citrus and malt. Flavor was malty, with a citrus finish. Good beer.

Draft sample at KBJ08. Poured clear amber color with an average frothy white head that was mostly lasting with good lacing. Moderate balanced hop and malt aroma. Medium body with flat carbonation. Moderate sweet flavor with a medium sweet finish of moderate duration. A soft beer.

Sampled at the 2008 Knoxville Brewers’ Jam. Hazy orange in the glass with an off-white head that leaves light lace. Aromas of orange and vanilla with a malt background. The flavor again finds some citrus with malt undertones. Medium body, creamy, enjoyable.