This post marks a small milestone for Hapa’s Brewing as it is the 100th entry in this blog. Without getting too mushy and sentimental, we’d like to shout out a quick “thank you” to all you readers. But enough with the hugs and kisses. Dry those eyes because it’s time for another Tuesday Tasting.
Our Tuesday tradition has have taken us all over the world as of late. We’ve had beer from Brazil, England, Belgium, and Sweden recently. This week we wanted to keep it close to home and it doesn’t get any more local that Marin Brewing Co. whose home base sits just over the Golden Gate Bridge is Larkspur, CA. Their flagship brew borrows its name from a mountain peak in this scenic part of the state. Mt. Tam Pale Ale is Marin Brew Co.’s award winning beer of the style brewed with the classic West Coast hop varietals of Cascade, Columbus, and Amarillo.
Appearance
Golden in color, the beer channels its inner Darth Vader by embracing the dark side of the Pale Ale style. A single finger of white head forms and leaves a lacing that could be considered thin.
Smell
Sweet maltiness drifts up from the glass and notes of caramel speak to the Crystal malt in the grain bill. Lovely piney aromas are also present as is a hint of citrus; orange to be exact.
Taste
Sweet malt with some toffee is the first thing that is tasted. After years of drinking California’s most famous Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada, we were expecting a stronger hop presence. This version of the style reminds us that there is a certain degree of variation even amongst beer of the same style. Mt. Tam finishes with a smooth bitterness with some grapefruit notes that linger on the tongue.
Mouthfeel
This medium bodied beer is silky smooth. Carbonation could be described as light, but it fits the beer well and doesn’t detract from the velvety texture.
Drinkability
A very smooth beer. Balance is decidedly in favor of the malt making this an easy drinking ale. Certainly a pint that beer drinkers of all tastes can enjoy. The Hapa’s crew will be making the beautiful drive across the Golden Gate to support this local brewery on the regular. Overall grade for Mt. Tam Pale Ale: B
Mt. Tam Pale Ale
Up next on Tuesday Tastings: BrewDog’s Paradox Glen Grant Imperial Stout