Reviews are done by Jim Matt, our Chief Science Officer, who is also a veteran FoBAB judge, GABF judge, and BJCP Master judge.

Crash (5.4% | 44 IBU) is a kinetically delicious pale ale that utilizes a trio of hops to produce an explosion of hoppy, tropical flavor.

Malts: Pale Ale, Wheat Malt

Hops: Cascade, Azacca, Ekuanot

Crash is one in a series of canned pale ales that we put out. What makes it unique?

First of all, we love pale ales here at Rhinegeist! This is one that was (interestingly enough) a result of our Double IPA experiments. We loved the combination of hops, and therefore transformed that Double IPA recipe into a Pale Ale.

Crash uses an interesting trio of hops. Talk about their interplay in this beer.

Cascade is the anchor, the old standby on which this pale ale is built. Azacca rounds out the middle with its notes of pine, mango and citrus. Finally, Ekuanot (or the hop formerly known as Equinox, or HBC366) offers up apricot notes with a hint of green pepper.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

A bevy of complex, fruity notes (citrus in the foreground, with some high tropical and stone fruit notes to complement). High hop aroma from the use of a large amount of dry hops and the high oil content of the hops that we use.

What gets you excited about this beer?

This beer drinks almost like an IPA, without as much of the bitterness or the alcohol to weigh you down.

What are some other pale ales in the market that you dig?

Osiris Pale Ale from Sun King is my go-to pale ale, anywhere, anytime. Fresh Sierra Nevada is a mainstay, as well as Fist City (Revolution), as well as our own Mosaic Pale Ale.

Appearance: Gold color with a moderate amount of haze. Moderately thick white head with good retention. Medium carbonation.

Aroma: Medium high hop aroma with orange at the forefront, complemented by ripe mango, apricot, and light herbal (green pepper) notes. Low malt aroma, low fruity esters.

Taste: Medium high hop flavor that mimics the aroma (light grapefruit, orange, tangelo, mango, apricot). Medium bitterness that lingers. Low malt flavor that lets the hops shine.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with some creaminess. Low alcohol warmth, light astringency. Medium carbonation.

Overall: A fairly bitter, complex, hop forward American-style pale ale that allows each of the components of the trio of hops to shine through.

What foods would pair well with Crash?

Pizza Margherita or Pepper Beef.

Ideal glassware for Crash?

A pint glass works fine for aesthetics and volume, but this glass allows more of the flavor and aroma to come through.