Three Floyds Alpha King

Bottle from a trade with StFun. I can see why this is the highest rated pale ale on the site. Full-favored brew with hops and a malty backbone. I even thought I was drinking an IPA for a second. Piney and a hint of citrus on the plate.

Bottle from DTM’s trade of some of our Russian River sours. Knowing that you’re about to embark upon a wonderful journey usually makes the bar that much higher. Despite that, the Alpha King made me a believer of what a Pale Ale could be. This brew was maltier, smoother, and not as obstinately bitter as most Pales are. There were hints of grapefruit, but it was mostly piney. There was also a bit of caramel. Cheers to 3F for making "the best" Pale Ale!

On tap. Copper pour with a big white head that quickly faded into sticky lacing. Hops dominated the aroma - mostly pine. Taste is mega hoppy (pine with some grapefruit) with a lingering bitter finish. Lingering, as in near-eternal. Mouthfeel is resinous and thick with good carbonation. An excellent beer, but a little extreme to be a true session brew.

Just a great beer. Huge citrus and grapefruit aromas and tastes. good balance between bitter and sweet hops. Way to easy to drink.

Bottle. One of my introductory beers into the world of craft beer. After my first experience, I was definitely hooked on 3F. I basically think of it as an IPA, too intense for a normal Pale Ale. But then again, there’s nothing normal about 3F. Dark copper amber in color with a thin white head. Has an excellent floral and citrusy hop aroma that serves as a great prelude to the complex hoppy flavor. Has a great bitter finish, crisp finish. One of my staple session beers.