Goat Patch Brewing's Hibiscus Pale Ale

I started out this blog by reviewing only one beer at a time, but that’s inefficient. So, I thought that before the cherry saison destroys my cognitive abilities (see previous post), I thought I’d try one of the more interesting beers on the menu, the hibiscus pale ale.

I’ve had a lavendar IPA at the now closed Smiling Toad Brewery, but never a beer with hibiscus (although, I know they exist). It’s a very subtle flavor, but very refreshing and spring-like. Pale ales aren’t as popular as they used to be when microbreweries started popping up in the 1990s. I’d say Sierra Nevada’s pale ale is the most famous, but it's really a precursor to the west coast IPA, with its piney hop notes. Pale ales since then are lighter on the hops, with a focus on the malts. I think it’s a good mix between an IPA and amber ale.

With that said, the hibiscus isn’t overpowering in this beer and it really adds something good to what tends to be a bland style of beer (even though I tend to like pale ales). If I were the brewer, I’d experiment with adding even more hibiscus flavor (and maybe some honey). When all is said and done, I really like it. Not only do I applaud Goat Patch for brewing a pale ale, but also for making it unique with the hibiscus.

I’ll review this brewery shortly, but I have to say that I saw the coolest thing ever while at a bar. It’s a dog friendly place, and the women sitting next to me at the bar has a golden retriever with her. When she got up to use the bathroom, her retriever hopped up on the chair and saved her seat. Now that’s the definition of a best friend.