Great River Brewery- 483 Pale Ale: Great River, Great Craft Beer
Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 5:49PM | by Jason 
As I mentioned in another review, I stopped at John’s Grocery in Iowa City on my way to Nebraska and again on my way back home to Illinois. I stopped for one reason and one reason only, their selection of great Craft Beer. I picked up a limited amount on my way to Nebraska because of lack of trunk space and because I knew that there would be brews in Nebraska that I would pick up as well. At John’s, I asked what local brew did they have and two of the suggestions were from a brewery in Davenport, IA called Great River Brewery. The other great aspect of John’s Grocery is that they let you mix six packs so I decided to grab one of each of the Great River Brewery selections. I am a big fan of Pale Ales and I’m also really picky about them as well. This evening, it will be Great River Brewery’s 483 Pale Ale. Hopefully, this Pale Ale will prove its worthiness, 483 Pale Ale is poured and ready.
Great River Brewery classifies this brew as a Pale Ale and their website describes 483 Pale Ale as, “True to the style, our pale ale is brewed with pale malt and a touch of crystal malt which gives it that copper hue. Then we aggressively hop it with centennial hops for a big citrus hop aroma and taste.
Beer for the hop lover. Nice bitterness and a good long aftertaste with a smack of grapefruit.” The can further describes 483 Pale Ale as, “Great River Brewery’s 483 Pale Ale is named after our mile marker on the mighty Mississippi. A classic American pale ale, it uses generous amounts of centennial hops and a final dry hopping of cascades, creating a bold floral and citrus aroma with a balanced malt body.”
483 Pale Ale pours a crystal clear golden orange with a 1” cream color head. The aroma is citrusy and hoppy with faint pale malts in the background.
483 Pale Ale is very tasty. I was really hoping I’d like it and I have to say, mission accomplished! This is a solid Pale Ale and is leaving me with the feeling that I probably should have just sprung for an entire six pack to enjoy. The flavor is citrusy and hoppy without much hop bite and a balanced malt sweetness that makes this brew just right as warmer weather is fast approaching. Another trait that makes this brew appealing is that it is delivered in a “true pint” 16oz can and I’m a big fan of canned brews. Great River Brewery has a real winner here and I’d definitely keep a sixer in the fridge on a regular basis as part of my standard Craft Beer drinking rotation. If you’re ever passing through Iowa, you should make a point of picking some up and enjoy one for yourself.
ABV: 5.3%
Consumed: Nonic Pint Glass
Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack
