Carlyle Fuggles Ale

Brewed by Carlyle Brewing Company
Style: English Pale Ale
Rockford, Illinois USA

Serve in English pint, Shaker

On tap at Carlyle. Hazy, two-toned orange/brown with a large, off-white creamy head. Interesting fuggles nose - musty pine, like a damp forest, some wet cheeses - smell reminds me of homebrewing trub. Excellent hop flavor - bitter with orange and nectarine highlights. Dirty, earth finish. Mouthfeel is a tad thin. Notes of copper in finish as well. Interesting, earthy hop-centric ale.

Arrives to the table a copper color with a slight brown tinge to it, a white head and slightly murky appearance. Aroma has a nice mild grassy/floral aroma from the Fuggles hops, a very heavy biscuit note that reminds me of the smell when opening up a fresh 50lb sack of pale malt....very pungent and in your face grain note. Flavor is almost all biscuit, great grassy hops flavor, not too bitter but does cause a slight puckering of the taste buds, light dryness and ends with a nice toasted Munich malt, no sweetness at all. Modest density, moderate carbonation with great lacing. Overall a great English style brew to enjoy in the summertime with a solid non-bitter hops presence. Very enjoyable.

UPDATED: JUN 29, 2009 Pours a light amber with a thin white head that laces the glass. Hops and roasted malt on the nose with a bit of citrus. Nice grassy hop flavor, but not too overpowering, though there is a nice bitterness; strong biscuity malt backbone. Very drinkable and refreshing. A very good English-style IPA.