I finally gave in to try another Southern Tier beer that I have been holding off on. Why? Because what the heck is an Extraordinary Ale? The label doesn’t describe what kind of beer is inside the bottle other than to claim how great it is. (yeah… I’ve heard that before) As a matter of fact, I succumbed to marketing in the converse. What the marketers don’t want to hear is that I passed by that six-pack of beer many times because of the packaging; not only because the contents are not labeled well, but the graphics were also uninspiring.

… And I have to suffer for this? It turns out this is one of the best pale ales I’ve ever had. I loved the golden yellow color and fine, smooth white head. The hop aroma was strong and pleasant from a nice dry hopping of cascade hops. The beer was smooth and hoppy with a subtle malt character that was amazingly noticeable for such a light and moderately hopped brew. The carbonation level and the relatively low ABV (5.6%) makes this beer extremely drinkable, and it does it with a pleasant exhibition of hops.

It turns out the labeling is accurate; this is one extraordinary ale and I love it. I give it a 4 on the unofficial Hop-Talk rating system and I am considering making this my new regular beer.