Tuppers Hop Pocket Ale

Tuppers’ Hop Pocket Beers
Brewed at St. George Brewing Company
Style: American Pale Ale
Bethesda, Maryland USA

GABF SAMPLING: throught out the festival my Palate was getting sandblasted with the multitude of beers, and although I kept rinsing with Pabst Light and Water It got tought. I found this beer to be very (oh no, on some previous ratings I forgot to mention GABF sampling) abrasive, with a mild bitternress, not to much of a fan.

(12 oz bottle, obtained in trade with jasonp, thanks Jason!) The label says it is extravagantly hopped, and many years ago, when I first had this beer, I felt the label was correct, but now I’d just call it well hopped. Where this pale ale differs from Dominion’s own pale ale, or their New River pale ale, is that the Tuppers is tilted more toward the hoppy end of the spectrum, whereas the other two are more balanced toward the malty end. Nevertheless, the dominant bitterness isn’t over the top here, and there is definitely a reasonably malty base for some balance, especially up front. For sure, the finish is dominated by fresh tasting hops though, with a moderate grapefruit flavor. The nose is nicely balanced, showing a pleasant malt aroma and some moderate hops. Medium bodied, and very clean and crisp from the hops. Orange in color, and fully cloudy. Large, fluffy, off-white head gradually settles to a thin layer, but shows excellent retention from there. As seems typical with Dominion beers, the glass is coated with thick, dense lace.

Orange amber color with a creamy head. Sweet malty aroma. I REALLY like this beer. Rich and creamy with a bite of hops. Outstanding.

Bottled. Better than I expected. Need to have again and take note of the specifics, but a good beer nonetheless.

10.12.04 12oz bottle from springslicker. Slightly hazed and bespeckled golden pour with smallish head. Aromas nice and orange-citrusy, bread doughy. Flavors a nice mix of bready malts and rather sharp, dry hoppiness. Medium-light body that I prefer in the APA style. Spicey, quaffable, delicious. Another treat from springslicker, thanks Jay!

The hops are dominant in this pale ale, with a strong yet complex fruity malt after-taste. When the ale first hits your tongue, it’s rather overwhelming, but it provides a decent transition. American Pale Ales sometimes have that initial sharpness to the taste that can become a drawback. This one balances out nicely, so I cannot put it down. Pretty good ale.

7/2004 bottling date. First off, thanks to Ben (btg) for this bonus beer, what a treat. Pours a moderately cloudy vibrant orange/amber. Good creamy white head and a big bountiful hops aroma. Lots of citrus (orange and grapefruit) some hints of light pale malts, hints of spiciness as well as some creamy sweetness that adds appeal. Flavor starts out with a big bitter hops explosion, but then evens out somewhat with plenty of malt. Finish is quite dry with a hint of plastic and ethanol. Very flavorful overall, and well-made. Easy comparison to Sierra Nevada Pale, though in the end, I would prefer the Sierra’s extra yeast profile and grainier, chewier texture. Very drinkable beer though.

Opening the bottle was promising - abundant hop aroma. It was a very slow decline from there. The appearance was the average orange, thinly veiled pale ale. The flavor lacked any of the floral or citrus hit found in the nose. The finish was super-dry, with a hop burn on the tongue.