Two-Column Barley Homebrew – Equinox Pale Ale

Two-Column Barley Homebrew – Equinox Pale Ale

American Pale Ale
BJCP Style: 18B – American Pale Ale
ABV: 4.7%
IBU: 40
Brewed on: 1/29/17
Bottled on: 2/12/17
Glass: Craft Pint
Brewer: Mike Zydowicz

Malt: 2-Row, Pilsner, Munich Light
Hops: Equinox
Bottle Conditioned

Tasting on 5/17/17:

Aroma: Overtones of low-moderate lemon. Undertones of minor orange and minor spicy hops.  8/10

Appearance: Hazy, golden with light orange highlights. Bright white head with excellent retention and large to fine bubbles. 9.5/10

Flavor: Moderate hop bitterness in the beginning followed by minor light malt in the middle with minor orange and smooth, moderate hop bitterness. Low to moderate lemon and moderate hop bitterness in the end. Low, lingering light malt and hop bitterness in the aftertaste. 17.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body, moderate carbonation, no alcohol. 8/10

Overall Impression: Bright. Subtle lemon and orange hop flavors are supported by a light malt backbone, and complimented by smooth bitterness throughout. 44/50

Final Score: 87% = B

Tasting on 2/20/17:

Aroma: Moderate melon and mild citrus overtones. Undertones of lemon. Moderate diacetyl. 6/10

Appearance: Hazy, yellow to gold. Bright white head with good retention. 8/10

Flavor: Moderate hop bitterness in the beginning followed by a mostly dry middle with minor light malt and moderate diacetyl. Moderate-high hop bitterness in the end, along with minor citrus and minor diacetyl. Lingering bitterness and lemon in the aftertaste. 14/20

Mouthfeel: Medium body, moderate carbonation, no alcohol. 8/10

Overall Impression: Besides the diacetyl, the hop and malt character is what I wanted. Consistent bitterness throughout with enough malt to provide contrast. I’m hoping the diacetyl will get cleaned up by the yeast and the beer will clear. 35/50

Final Score: 70% = D-