Troegs Pale Ale
I’m not sure what it is about Troegs Brewing Company that doesn’t excite me. Its beers have never really rubbed me the wrong way.
But, at the same time, I’ve also never had something by the Harrisburg, Pa.-based brewery that’s prompted me to hustle to the liquor store the first chance I get to stock my fridge with one of their products.
After trying Troegs Pale Ale, that routine doesn’t figure to change – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
When it comes to pale ales, I’m undoubtedly a Sierra Nevada kinda guy (I’ll save my praise of the canned version for another day).
That being said, it was time to delve into a different brewery’s take on the beer because: 1) I don’t want to overdue it on Sierra Nevada and 2) If I like the style, surely other crafters offer a take on it that I will enjoy.
I’m confident Snob Matt and Snob Pat have their own thoughts on Troegs Pale Ale. As for Snob Scott, I don’t know if he’s sampled it yet. For me, the beer gets the job done, just not in overwhelming fashion.
Troegs Pale Ale fits the bill when poured into a pint glass, which the brewery’s web site recommends doing at between 45 and 50 degrees. It offers that copper, slightly cloudy hue you’ve come to expect from pale ale.
When it comes to taste though, there is just a tad too much bitterness after the fact for a pale ale for my liking. That does not mean, however, that I will have any trouble polishing off the 6-pack I purchased.
After much debate prior to going to a BYOB restaurant of Cuban and Mexican influence two weeks ago, I decided to go with Troegs Pal Ale. I had been meaning to try the year-round offering for a while and by no means did it take away from my dining experience.
By the way, if you’re ever in Collingswood, NJ, give Casona a try for lunch or dinner.
Without researching which types of foods Troegs recommends pairing Pale Ale with, I think this was a good match. The web site suggests Mediterranean, starches or anything with fresh herbs, and I’d say that’s accurate.
At 5.4 percent ABV, Troegs Pale is an easy drinker. I was able to finish three bottles comfortably over dinner.
As far as recommending Troegs Pale Ale is concerned, it’s definitely worth a shot, especially if you can buy it as part of a make-your-own 6-pack option. The reason I say that is until last night I had passed on the three remaining bottles in favor of other beers.
But like most other Troegs options, Pale Ale is a safe choice.
Musical pairing: Imagine Dragons – It’s Time