The Swill: Mighty Arrow Pale Ale
The Still: New Belgium Brewing Company
Fort Collins, Colorado
http://www.newbelgium.com/
The Drill: American Pale Ale, 12oz bottle, 6% ABV
The Spill: Named in memorium of an employee's beloved dog, this beer is sure to make as many friends as Arrow, the late Aussie/Border Collie mix, did in her 12 years at the brewery. It pours a clear, brassy gold with an aroma somewhere between roses and saffron, and has a pleasingly light, clean-bodied mouthfeel. It's mildly hopped for a Pale, with a floral quality and just a hint of buttery malt near the end. The finish disappears entirely in a flash, making it an ideal beer to pair with food.
Says Bill: I had this beer last night with Holly's stuffed peppers. It complimented the meal well and cleansed the palate at the same time. There's a lot I can say about the people at New Belgium, and how the beers they craft are adventurous, yet approachable at the same time. They're truly carving out a niche for themselves in the U.S. with the popularity of their Fat Tire Ale, and may very well be the next up-and-coming brewery to challenge the big domestics the way Sam Adams has.
Refill?: Enjoy this beer with almost any dinner of your choosing. Even table scraps: 3 taps out of 5.