Upslope Brewing Company- Pale Ale: Big Ups To This Pale Ale

While on our trip to GABF, as previously mention, we stopped by a liquor store on our way back from Left Hand Brewing Company to Denver.  The selection was good and it was tough deciding which stuff to grab and which ones to take a pass on.  Had I planned better I would have brought a bigger suitcase and packed some bubble wrap and bought a heck of a lot more than I did.  A couple of beers in particular stood out, one because they were of the canned variety and the designs were simple and understated.  This had me intrigued as usually I will reach for the wilder more artistic designed labels.  I know what you’re thinking, “ha ha ha this a-hole buys beer based on labels,” well partially yes and partially no.  In my opinion, image is everything and branding is the most important thing you can do in any business.  So I grabbed a couple of sixers from Upslope Brewing Company which is a fairly new brewery located on the northern edge of Boulder, Colorado.  Because they only brew two varieties, I grabbed them both and happily went on my way.  The first one I’m reviewing will be their Pale Ale, simply called “Pale Ale”.

Upslope Brewing Company classifies this brew as a Pale Ale and their website describes Pale Ale as, “This clear, crisp, dry pale ale is our signature beer. Its refreshing characteristics, and signature dry finish, blends smooth malt flavors with a unique spicy hop bitterness.  This will be the “go to” beer on any camping trip, fishing excursion or music festival.”

Upslope Pale Ale pours a clear golden yellow color with a ¾” white head that disappeared quickly and left a tiny bit of lacing.  The aroma is a combination of citrus, grassy, bready malts, some spice notes and earthy scents.

I am not only digging the Craft Beer canning craze but Upslope’s Pale Ale as well.  This is a bit off your typical pale ale path.  I get a lot of spice in the middle and a nice hop bit towards the end as Pale Ale finishes on the dry side.  There is a brief malt sweetness in the beginning but it quickly steps aside for the spice and hop flavors.  There is an earthiness to this Pale Ale that is pleasantly satisfying and I’d say that the carbonation is just a hair towards the high side, but just a hair.  I think it’s a safe bet to say that you’d be hard pressed to find any Upslope brews outside of Colorado but if you do I’d highly suggest you give this one a try.  I look forward to trying Upslope Brewing Company’s India Pale Ale in the next couple of days as it is patiently waiting in the fridge.  Big Ups to the boys at Upslope Brewing Company for this one, I can’t wait to see what’s next on your to brew list.

ABV: 5.8%

Consumed: Nonic Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack