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Lightning Fair Weather Pale Ale

Lightning Brewery
Poway, California
Beer style: Pale Ale - English
Ref: ratebeer.com Jun2024

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One of the original beers made by the brewery was Fair Weather Pale Ale. When the brewery was an unknown entity we had a really hard time selling this beer. It is a beer crafted after classic UK and US Colonial ales: Pale, malty, plenty of yeast character, limited hop character, and easy drinking. It’s important to remember that ales were seen as a beverage safe to drink in times when cities were crowded, sanitization was poor, and wells were shallow and open. This style of beer is very different from what is now seen as the classic West Coast microbrewery pale ale. To truly enjoy this beer, first pour between 1/2 and 3/4 of a glass (if you love more foam, pour down the middle. For less foam, sneak the beer down the side of the glass). Now look at the beer and take a look smell of the aromas. Note the pale, clear, with a moderate, but persistent head. Take a sip along with a deep inhale of the aromas and the first perception is a smooth creaminess of malt flavor finished by a balanced bitterness. It is not surprising that this beer is a hit with our audiences that truly give it a careful try. Like many Lightning beers, you have to experience Fair Weather Pale Ale and then ponder its appearance, aromas, and flavors. It may take a while to pull them apart to think of where they come from. Just think yeast fermenting malt with some hops added for balance. I am sure you will appreciate the hand-crafted appeal of Fair Weather Pale Ale.