Widmer Drifter Pale Ale

From The Widmer Brothers – “We crafted Drifter to make waves in the category and provide beer lovers with a new pale ale experience,” said Kurt Widmer, co-founder of Widmer Brothers Brewing. “Most pale ales are brewed with Cascade hops. Ours is truly an original, made with Summit hops known for their delicate flavor and undertones of tangerine, mandarin orange and grapefruit.”

Appearance: A dark orange/amber body that lets about 50% light through.  Started with a 1/2 inch sudsy head that subsided it to some gathering suds.

Aroma: Grapefruit and light amounts of pine up front. I also found a hint of pineapple.

Taste: A floral, tropical hops flavor right off the bat followed by a slight bitter hop bite in the finish. A decent level of malt held both layers together.

Mouthfeel: Finishes  dry and crisp, leaving your tongue needing refreshment of more.

Overall: An excellent American Pale Ale. One of my favorite Pale Ales, Firestone Walker Pale 31, has many of these qualities.