The saying is, “it is better to do one thing exceptionally well than to do several things average;” and I am a fan of craft breweries who follow this creed. This is not to say breweries cannot produce beers of different styles but I do appreciate when a brewery works one style to perfection. This snow-filled weekend I am enjoying a delicious IPA from a brewery that is championing the Pale Ale and IPA space, this weekend Knee Deep Brewing’s Citra Extra Pale Ale is What’s on Tap!
As far as bitterness and “hoppy flavor” go Pale Ales are, in general, more “milder” than IPAs. Citra Extra Pale Ale is a single-hop, meaning only one type of hop, Citra, is used during the brewing process, which delivers all of the great west coast IPA goodness but one a much toned down level. On the nose Citra Extra provides the drinker with huge amount of citrusy, not surprising, and passion fruit notes; there is so much citrus this brew reminds me of that drink, five-alive I used to pound as a kid!
Citra Extra Pale Ale definitely showcases the citrus hops used. The malts are, for the most part, unnoticeable, as is its bitterness; which is to be expected at only 45 IBUs. With the citrusy aroma and flavor, the hop forward taste, and low bitterness this is the perfect gateway brew to IPAs and one that should appeal to hopheads and to those just starting to dabble in the IPA space. Knee Deep’s Citra Extra Pale Ale is perfect for this weekend whether you are snowed-in or not.
Cheers!
Beer Stats
Style: American Pale Ale
IBUS (Bitterness): 45
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 7%
Hops: Citra
Malt: Canadian and German
Color: Golden
Beer Review Stats
Beer Advocate: 86
Rate Beer: 96
