Certain beers mean more to the drinker than others.  Perhaps a beer enjoyed on a first date brings back pleasant memories of clumsy small talk, awkward goodbyes, and a budding relationship.  A Packers fan might fondly remember the beer he was drinking when his team won last year’s Super Bowl.  Most craft beer lovers can remember the beer that opened their eyes to the world of artfully made brews.

Deschutes has been churning out gold medal caliber beer since 1988 and we’re willing to bet that there’s a sizable population of the craft beer community that counts Mirror Pond as their game changer.  Mirror Pond is the brewery’s hallmark American Pale Ale and once per year, during harvest season, Deschutes releases a version of this staple brewed with freshly picked Cascade hops.  While not dramatically different from the year round brew, this seasonal certainly has it nuances.

Appearance
A single finger of white head sits atop an amber beer with a hit of orange.  There is a slight haze when looking through the glass.  Lacing is on the thin side.

Aroma
Nice hop character of citrus, pine, and a slight earthiness, but not as floral and might be expected.  Delicate malt notes sweeten up the nose with a bit of caramel and breadiness.  A freshness and crispness of the smell reflects the ingredients used.

Taste
Fresh hops take the forefront on the first sip but are more subtle than the year round version.  Citrus notes of grapefruit combine with fresh hay in a clean and smooth bitterness.  Hops are well balanced against the caramel and slight roasted malt flavors.

Mouthfeel
The brew is light to medium in body.  Carbonation is moderate and compliments the light body nicely.  Overall a smooth and refreshing pint.

Drinkability
The freshness of the hops is a nice twist on an already good beer.  Well balanced beer doesn’t overwhelm the palette like a West Coast IPA but still has enough flavor and complexities to keep you coming back for more.  Would be a fine choice for a novice craft beer drink to get his or her feet wet.  Overall grade for Deschutes Fresh Hop Mirror Pond: B


Deschutes Fresh Hop Mirror Pond

Up next on Tuesday Tasting: Dogfish Head World Wide Stout