Single-hop (and indeed, single-hop/single-malt pale ales), are becoming a bit of a “thing” in the beer scene. Using careful hop additions to draw out the characteristics of the hops is something of an art form. It’s not easily done, and it’s even challenging choosing which hop to focus on, right down to which crop or harvest to use. So my hesitance around Alexander Keith’s new single-hop pale ales was reasonable. I was impressed with the Cascade Hop Ale, and was excited to get to try the can of Hallertau Hop Ale they sent me after the launch event. Hallertau is a very different hop than Cascade. It’s a noble hop, of very old lineage. While it generally has very herbal and floral notes, it doesn’t actually have a huge bitterness, compared to many of it’s younger North American counterparts (including Cascade). I’m going to try hard not to compare the two brews in this review. It wouldn’t really be fair, as a key flavouring ingredient is vastly different. So here we go!
Alexander Keith’s Hop Series Hallertau Hop Ale
From a 473ml can, Hop Series Hallertau Hop Ale pours a dark amber, with brown glimmers at the centre of the glass. About 1″ of loose head drops to a fairly thick layer of foam that is supported by a really active carbonation. Like, really really active. Aroma is actually quite malty, there’s a big shot of Munich malt on the nose. It’s sweet and a little bready. Hops are there, spicy and leafy, maybe a little green; fairly subtle. There are more hops to the taste, and the noble character comes through more. Leafy and slightly floral. Touches of earthiness. Still not particularly bitter, though that is to be expected of a Hallertau single-hop. Despite the German hops and a clear pop of Munich to the malts, the beer drinks more like an English pale ale. There’s even a touch of fruity yeast in there if you look for it. Mouthfeel is medium-light, and somewhat sweet, though not at all cloying. Not a complicated single-hop pale ale, but certainly one that shows the characteristics of Hallterau nicely, albeit gently. I would prefer the balance to shift a bit more towards the hop, but for the wider market, I expect this fairly balanced and not aggressive brew to be well-received.
Cheers to Alexander Keith’s!
Buy Hallertau Hop Ale
Coast to coast Hallertau Hop Ale will be available in tall boy cans and bottles (depending on the market) at your local beer seller. In Ontario, Hallertau Hop Ale is being sold through The Beer Store, in 473ml tall boy cans and in a 12-pack mixer with 6 of each variety (there is also a Cascade Hop Ale). The LCBO will have the 473ml tall boy cans. It is also on draught in bars across Ontario and the Country.
Drink It With
Because of it’s subtle flavours, and sweeter body than the average pale ale, I would stay away from some of the more traditional calls, like curries. In fact, the noble character of the hops might do well with something to boost them somewhat, so perhaps the perfect match would be some lightly sauteed mushrooms on toast, possibly with a touch of something either tart or hot to cut the sweetness a tad. Maybe a light dab of mustard? Perhaps from our friends at Kozlik’s Mustards? For a cheese match, I would go for a youngish cheddar, or perhaps something smoked, maybe an Edam?
About The Brewery
Alexander Keith’s maintains the quality and heritage first introduced by Alexander Keith himself in 1820. Only the finest barley malt and select hops are used to brew the Alexander Keith’s family of fine beers, which include the newly introduced Alexander Keith’s Hop Series, Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale – the #1 specialty brand in Canada – Alexander Keith’s Red Amber Ale, Alexander Keith’s Original Cider and Alexander Keith’s Dark Ale. For more information on Alexander Keith’s beers, visit www.Keiths.ca or www.Facebook.com/keiths.
