Review – Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale

I am a huge fan of Three Floyds. While the Internet buzz surrounding them peaked my curiosity, my admiration was solidified after visiting their brew pub last winter.  I got a bunch of Three Floyds stuff on a trade, from ratebeer.com and Alpha King Pale is was one of the great scores from that trade.

Marketing Speak from threefloyds.com: Big American Pale Ale with citrusy aroma- a hop lover’s cult beer and Three Floyds’ flagship beer Brewed with Centennial, Cascade & Warrior Hops.

Three Floyds Brewpub – Alpha King Pale Ale – Poured from a 12oz bottle to a pint glass. 6% abv.

Appearance: Bright reddish orange topped with a tight nit head. Head subsided to a 1/2 inch. The body is very clear and leaves a webby lacing.

Aroma: Lemon, lemon zest, orange, pine, and grass.

Taste: Orange rind, crystal malts, bitter hops.  If there was such as thing as “bitter hop candy”, this would be it.

Mouthfeel: Soft and smooth. This brew borders on syrupy.

Overall: The mouthfeel is what sets this beer apart from the rest.  I know many people aren’t used to such a citrusy hop treat, but I am, living so close to San Diego, and Sierra Nevada Brewing.  I have tasted this combo of flavors from other beers, but the “soft and smooth” sets this guy a part from the pack.  Craft Beer Radio is correct, this is MAN CANDY!