Vale Indian Pale Ale

THE steady emergence of pale ales into the craft beer markets means that there are numerous alternatives for those looking for flavoursome beers.

From South Australia comes Vale Indian Pale Ale (IPA) made by the McLaren Vale Beer Company.

Like all good pale ales, this offers up a rich blends of aromas leaving you in n o doubt that there’s a fair amount of hops in the brew.

Normally I have found with some IPAs that there a subtle malt note that comes through, taking an edge off the bitterness that a blend of hops can produce but with the Vale, that bitterness has been retained to produce an interesting blend of flavours in the mouth.

With a clear copper/amber colour and a tight white head, the rich bouquet of citrus and floral notes is enough to get the mouth salivating.

You certain appreciate the citrus characteristics associated with pale ales in the initial mouthful and the Vale IPA presents plenty of body across the palate.

It is a clean, crisp ale but it leaves you with distinctive hop bitterness in the aftertaste which is very refreshing.

On a hot day, this really hits the spot and despite being full bodied and potent drop at 5.5 percent, it doesn’t sit heavily in the gut which adds to its sessionability.

However you may find you won’t have a big session on this because of its alcohol content but it’s definitely a very social drop.

It’s an easy ale to enjoy though for those who aren’t big fans of a pronounced bitterness in the aftertaste of a beer of prefer something without as much flavour (a la blonde beers), you might find it a bit overpowering.

I think it would be fine drop to serve up with spicy dishes such as a decent Indian curry though it would also be well suited to other foods such as a robust cheese.

This is a beer which caters to the senses and serves some interesting characteristics, the more you enjoy it.

This is a perfect afternoon/after work drop, especially being a bit stronger than normal brews and one which will definitely put you into a very relaxed frame of mind.

MY TIP

Serve nice and cold and in a tulip shaped glass or one which will allow you to appreciate the aroma. At around $15 per 330ml four pack, it’s a premium beer and is available through major chains like Dan Murphys and BWS.