For today’s beer review, Brewticular is sampling Headwaters Pale Ale from Victory Brewing in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He will be sampling our of a 12 ounce bottle served at 39 Degrees F in a tulip. For more information about this beer, please see Victory for a cause.
Quick Stats:
Water: East Brand of the Brandywine Creek
Malts: 2 row German malts
Hops: Whole Flower American hops
ABV: 5.1%
This brew pours clear golden amber with a pale off white head. The head fades at a decent pace leaving great lacing. The aroma is of earthy hop tones mixed with lemon and orange notes as well as light malts. Initial flavor has citrus, pine, and a slight caramel tone with a great bitterness balance. The malts come through more within the middle enhancing the caramel flavor to create sweetness. The finish is dry with slight spicy hop flavor. As the glass warms, the malt flavors increase while the bitter finish remains the same.
At the end of the day, Victory has done a lot for a Pale Ale that by others would be very simplistic. The most pleasing aspect of Headwaters Pale Ale is its aggressive hop notes that do not overpower, keeping it out of the IPA category.
Brewticular rating (out of 100): 85
Recommended glassware: Tulip
Recommended food fairing: Blackened or Cajun dishes, Buffalo wings
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