Staff Blog
Roll out the barrels: the return of Yards’ Philly Pale
posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio
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| Original Gangsta Pale Ale |
| yardsbrewing.com |
Rejoice, for the inaugural batch of Philadelphia Pale Ale, brewed in Yards Brewing’s spankin’-new facility on Delaware Ave., has arrived on tap in pubs throughout the city. (Drew Lazor kinda-sorta-didn’t help make it.)
This local potion has always been good, earning accolades from the New York Times as one of the nation’s finest pale ales, as well as toasts from beer aficionados near and far. Crisp and hoppy, with a sessionable 4.6 percent ABV, Philly Pale has always been a reliably tasty intoxicant — and cheap in the bargain. The new incarnation retains the best qualities of its predecessor, and we daresay even improves upon it.
A dense white head crowns the pale amber liquid, and leaves a wisp of lace on the glass. A whiff of citrus-y hops introduces the hop-driven flavor profile on the tongue. Though the hop character is, as before, the dominant taste, this is a gentle and refreshing grapefruit breeze, not the abrasive I-need-to-shave-my-tongue wallop of bitterness typical in so many IPAs. Pilsner malts taste clean and provide body to the ale.
Now for the difference: This second-wave Philly Pale has a trick up its sleeve big brother would never have attempted. There’s just a hint, and I mean like a whisper — a tickle — of sourness. Its no geueze or lambic by any stretch, but there is something there that makes your mouth water and your lips smile.
So well done, Men of Yards. It took you nigh on forever, but you’re back and we’re happy. Steve Mashington of Yards expects bottles to hit the Philadelphia-area distributors sometime next week — keep your eyes peeled for “sexy new label and case” art.
Great news!