ENDEAVOUR BREWING: 2012 RESERVE PALE ALE

2012 RESERVE PALE ALE - 5.0%abv

INGREDIENTS

Hops: Galaxy, Summer and Southern Saaz

Malts: Gairdner Pale Pilsner, Crystal, Wheat

IBU's - 32

Colour - 16 EBC

Gravity - 1009

E: Hazy, bright orange in colour with a small amount of head retention.

N: Spicy aromas, with a bold note of passionfruit, apricot, lemon and a touch of grapefruit.  

P: Surprisingly light in body for a pale ale, with an earthy, herbal somewhat spicy bitterness that leaves a slight amount of acidity.

M: Gentle carbonation, with a long lingering dryness.  Well balanced.

FOOD PAIRING

The bitterness makes this more of a challenge to pair with, usually something a little robust and fatty such as a classic burger would work well, but Endeavour Reserve is lighter than your usual Pale Ale, so my choice would be chicken or pork with a kick of spice.  Putting it with a lovely Cajun chicken dish would allow the spicy flavours of the hops to complement the spice in the cajun, whilst the bitterness will help cut through that spice, allowing the apricot and fruit flavours to prevail.

OVERALL

Endeavour Reserve Pale Ale is an interesting complex pale ale that provides a balance of malt sweetness, hop bitterness and underlying fruit notes.  The use of Galaxy, Summer and Saaz hops complement each other brilliantly each allowing the other to shine through and demonstrate their qualities.  My only negativity is the lightness of the beer, but in terms of flavour and aroma it certainly hits the spot.