Monday, January 16, 2012

VT Pub & Brewery - Slapshot Pale Ale

The Vermont Pub & Brewery's Slapshot Ale is a hoppy version of an American-style Pale Ale that closely mimics an IPA. Each and every beer is "unpasteurized, unfiltered, and unadulterated" - no preservatives.  All artisan crafted beers can only be found on premise/ on draught... And the food is good too!

Alcohol Content: 4.95%
International Bitterness Units: 35
Malts: ?
Hops: Simcoe

Price: $4.00 for a pint
Medium: Standard pint glass - appears clean

Aroma: After being served, I immediately found myself nose deep in a very pungent floral/ earthy aroma with hints of orange citrus. There are some underlying sweet malts present but the nose is mostly dry. Somewhat grassy notes as well. Small amount of fruity esters (perhaps just a part of the hop aroma).
Appearance: Appears to be only slightly cloudy with no overwhelming haze. An off-white head is accompanied by lots of lacing and good retention. The color is of golden copper with an overall tangerine/ orange character. Visible carbonation is not present.
Flavor: I immediately noticed it being served a little warmer than I expected, which may have played a role in the perceived bitterness and aroma. Starts out with a low but overall good supporting malt character. The small, undefined sweet malts are followed by an assertive earthy bitterness that hits about mid-pallet, then turning more towards a resiny character as associated with Simcoe hops. The finish is rather citrusy with a tart fruitiness and some drying in the aftertaste. Balanced more towards the late hop profile.
Mouthfeel: Although the brewery describes it as being full-bodied, I found it to be more moderately thin for the style description with some watery characteristics. The carbonation also felt moderately low for the style along with a perceived creaminess and slight warming effect. Overall the bitterness profile is not too overwhelming or astringent.
Overall Impression: Although it was a great experience I will have to try it again to see if it is served differently. Should also compare it to American Flatbread's IPA that uses Simcoe hops as well - I recall theirs being more aggressively hopped and partaking a more resiny mouthfeel (Different style).

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