I'll start this post by recognizing that I am not a sophisticated beer drinker. I enjoy good beers and I enjoy trying new beers I haven't heard of. I have always been a fan of darker beers, especially stouts. But there is something to be said about a lighter beer such as a pale ale or hefeweizen in the summertime. One that has caught my attention in recent months is the Copperhead Pale Ale made by Snoqualmie Brewery, which is located in the mountains just forty-five minutes east of Seattle, Washington. The Northwest is known for its microbrews. I don't hear this brewery talked about a whole lot and I've never received a recommendation for it, despite the fact that Seattleites love to give microbrew recommendations.
I usually buy the Copperhead Pale Ale at our local QFC in Seattle. It comes in a twenty-four ounce bottle and runs about $3.49 a bottle. It is 5.3% alcohol. I am enjoying one as I write this blog. Here is Snoqualmie Brewery's description of it.
"We use light Crystal malt with Two-row Pale, Munich and Aromatic malts to give Copperhead Pale Ale a slightly toasty flavor and deep gold color. Cascade hops add just the right amount of aroma and dryness for a clean, bright ale that pairs well with most foods."
I like the Copperhead because it is very flavorful, but not overbearing. The hops balance is great, which I like since so many beers lately seem to be judged by the amount of hops. The rule seems to be, the more hops, the more hype. I agree that hops is important, but some beers over do it.
I agree with Snoqualmie's description of the "toasty flavor." That pretty much nails this beer. This beer probably won't win any awards, but is no doubt, a reliable, good-tasting beer. Be careful though: a few too many of these will leave you with a worse hangover than you would have predicted.
You can learn more about this and other Snoqualmie beers at their website, where they appear to be working on an online store: www.fallsbrew.com
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