Seven Gates Pale Ale - Spring House Brewing Company

HossMcGraw

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +29.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Outstanding!

Haven't reviewed a beer here in a year probably, but had to put in a good word for this one. Had 3 of these bad boys on tap at the Lancaster DipCo, and was blown away at the quality of this brew. Super complex fruity aroma with a nice hoppy undercurrent.

Flavor is dynamite. Ultra complex but still drinkable, this APA is loaded with notes of peach, lavender and honey, all with a solid malt backbone and a well balanced hop blast on the finish.

Might be a bit heavy for me as a sesher,but will definitely be getting this again in the near future. Best of all-It's made right here in The Lanc! Can't wait to see what else this great new brewery is gonna produce.

Serving type: on-tap

04-29-2008 02:59:18 | More by HossMcGraw

tgbljb

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +22.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I am glad to see that they are bottling this beer.

Poured a very deep amber color with moderate off-white head.

Smell shows strong notes a malt and citrusy hops.

Taste is truly extraordinary. Too many times a beer doesn't taste quite as good in the bottle as on-tap. But this one is just as good. The strong rich malt meets the plentiful hops to present a delicious beer.

Taste retention is perfect. Leaves a nice dry sensation in the mouth.

Great drinkability. I would love to try this beer on cask.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2008 22:03:52 | More by tgbljb

DIM

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +21.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

a: This was a moderately cloudy, ruddy, amber color; pretty dark for an APA. It was wserved to me with a thin head.

s: As it warmed sweet aromas of caramel and brown sugar emerged. The hops smelled of pineapple and lemon.

t: Very full flavored for an APA! Leans to the sweet side a bit which is okay with me. The finish is somewhat dry and tastes of floral, mildly citric hops.

m: Very good body for the style, well carbonated.

d: This a great addition to the local scene. I'm glad I finally got to try it. This will be my small, hoppy beer of choice whenever I find it.

Serving type: on-tap

07-12-2008 10:44:53 | More by DIM

BravoTwo

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +20.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Tried this beer at McCleary's Pub, on the recommendation of the bartender who knows I enjoy the hops.

A - Good solid amber color with nice light white head and good retention.

S - Nice citrusy hops smell. Very aromatic and inviting. Clean, unmuddled nose to this beer.

T - On the verge of greatness here. I was in the mood for very flavorful, nicely hopped beer and this one delivered. Clean hops taste with great crispness and nice bite without being over the top.

M - Good carbonation and a crisp, clean mouthfeel very appropriate for the style.

D - Again, very nicely done here. For those who enjoy the hops character, this beer is a really nice choice.

Almost reminiscent IMO of Victory's HopDevil. I had a HopDevil immediately after this beer and a lot of similiarities shone through. Great choice and a neat addition to the local scene.

Serving type: on-tap

03-30-2008 01:30:10 | More by BravoTwo

berpwillie

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

this was the first beer that really pushed me into craft brews. definitely my go to beer when i just want to relax and toss back a sixer or two, or three, or four... na mean? pours a copper orange cloudy color with average white fluffy head, good lacing, and average carbonation. floral hints in the smell with a lemon citrus buttered bread like taste. light bodied and a thin slick texture. average flavor duration with a light bitter bread flavor finish. delcious in a bottle but about 2o times better on tap. haven't tried one of Matts brews yet that wasn't fantastic.

Serving type: on-tap

07-07-2010 20:33:07 | More by berpwillie

Durandal777

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

First beer from Spring House, in the tiny town of Conestoga, Pa., and it's a very solid effort.

Had it on tap at Lancaster Dispensing Co.

A: Nice pale ale color. Golden/amber, with a good, somewhat lacy head.

S: Really nice. A mix of citrus and hops that's very appealing.

T: Quite nicely balanced. The hops are there, but not in IPA strengths, which allows the malt to have some presence as well. A bit of citrus in there, too.

M: Great. Crisp and clean.

D: Not bad. I only had one, but I can imagine this being a reasonable choice for a session beer.

All in all, a good APA, and definitely got me excited to see what Spring House does next.

Serving type: on-tap

04-09-2008 02:14:37 | More by Durandal777

MaltyGoodness

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Several 16oz. drafts at Bully's in Columbia

Nice, light amber color with a small white head. Mild lacing on the glass.

Aroma is a nice balance of citrus and floral hops on top of a fresh, grainy malt base.

Tastes just as it smells. A crisp, grainy caramel malt base with a nice blend of citrus and floral hop flavors.

Medium-light body, medium carbonation.

Overall, a very refreshing APA with nice balance. I could have easily gone for a 3rd and 4th pint if the situatiuon would have allowed. Happy to see that these guys really hit the gorund running.

Serving type: on-tap

03-17-2008 03:26:33 | More by MaltyGoodness

RedChrome

Connecticut

4.08/5  rDev +14%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Body was a hazed dark golden color. Half an inch of white colored head left a slick rather quickly. Several streams of large carbonation bubbles rising around the outside. Watery lace runs away quickly.

A big hops citrus aroma hit the nose first. A nice strong malt body quickly followed the hops aroma. A great balance with plenty of strength.

A nice malty flavor is the major presence on the tongue. A slight bit of butterscotch in the back. Hops are diminished in the flavor, but still citric.

A bit watered on the tongue, but the flavors hold. Carbonation burst quite strongly against the surfaces.

A very good brew. Great with a fajita dinner. Definitely a good go to brew if you see it. Well worth the choice off the shelf.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2008 21:36:52 | More by RedChrome

Kegatron

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev +14%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

Pours a fairly clear coppery orange with 1 1/2 fingers of poofy off-white head. Retains with a thin foamy covering that leaves some decent looking spotty lacing behind. The aroma is a lively smelling mix of floral hops, light citrus, and some toasty biscuits in the back. Very nice.

The taste is similar, with a moderate biting hop bitterness up front that is well backed by a smack of citrus and bready feeling malts. Light dry lingering bitterness in the finish that sticks to the palette. The mouthfeel is light-medium bodied with a firm carbonation that carries a bit of slickness in it.

Very solid APA that is well flavored, crisp, refreshing, and most of all, quite drinkable! It's nice to see this being produced locally and I wouldn't hesitate to try it again.

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2008 17:15:25 | More by Kegatron

ShadesOfGray

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

New release to distribution from Spring House. Picked up a case and had to dive right in. Pours an amber clear color with nice initial size head. Head dissapates quickly to a bubbly ring and leaves mild thin lacing. Aroma is a tad stronger than I thought it would be...slight hops, overall a pretty average yet pleasant APA scent. A little citrus.
Very crisp and yummy. Thin, citrus, a little hoppy back side. Mild carbonation. Very easy to drink and a great staple beer!

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2009 01:38:40 | More by ShadesOfGray

HopDerek

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a slightly hazy amber color with thin eggshell colored head. OK retention leaves good lacing blotches. Smells of floral hops, dry grass, honey, and biscuits. Tastes of tea leafs and lemon up front with some toasted malt and honey in the middle with a dry grassy finish. Medium-light in body with good carbonation. Smooth and somewhat fruity with a nice crisp and gentle bitterness in the finish. Easy to drink, refreshing, flavorful, and very pleasant to drink. Can easily make this a local favorite pale ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2009 03:26:28 | More by HopDerek

y2jrock60

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- Light orange in color with a frothy head.

S- It smells really sweet with a light hop aroma.

T- Very sweet, malty, and hoppy. The beer had a hint of maple syrup. The flavor was very balanced and unique.

M- Medium-bodied, tasted great on tap.

D- I would recommend a try on tap, very unique, one of the best beers from the Lancaster Area.

Serving type: on-tap

07-06-2009 18:54:04 | More by y2jrock60

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle obtained as an extra via Growling at the Moon from dashirey. Thanks for the opportunity.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/2" beige head over the clear orangey amber brew. Head recedes at an average pace, with lasting lace. Aroma is balanced, pale malts and citrus. Taste follows the nose, with the citrus hoppiness taking charge towards the end. Mouthfeel is smooth, and drinkability is quite easy. Nice brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2008 20:33:32 | More by ppoitras

paulthebeerguru

Florida

4/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: snifter. nice slightly opaque copper color. big orange hues. atop is a nice light khaki colored head. mild retention rate and fair ringlike lacing.

S: aromas of apples, light butterscotch, and mostly a mild malt aroma. hint of hops.

T: nice flavor for an APA. good sweet malt backbone, some fruit flavors, like apples and cherries, very faint. good pine and citrus hop flavors in this one. some caramel as well.

M: medium bodied, mild carbonation level, actually spot on. very clean and smooth.

D: very nice APA and well worth getting if you dig the style. I got this from a BIF and it was a great get, wish these guys were available where I am.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2008 06:02:20 | More by paulthebeerguru

thartman

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Spooky looking label with a burning house and woods with an interesting story printed on the back. Poured goldish-copper,somewhat cloudy.Thin opaque head with decent retention, some noticeable floaties suspended in the glass. Balanced nose of malts, hay, grains, some oranges. Citrus tart mixed with some malt, nice bitterness, well balanced with a dry finish. New Brewery from Conestoga,PA? I'm not sure, but this is definitely worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2009 23:06:48 | More by thartman

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was presented with relatively no head. There was a good happiness on the nose. Color was a bright copper with NE-quality clarity. Mouthfeel was medium with a lot of hops washing across my tongue. Finish was hoppy. Good for an APA. Not such a great review. I have better notes and will re-review later.

Serving type: on-tap

12-13-2009 20:41:48 | More by woodychandler

BeerThursdays

Delaware

4/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a honey color with a small amount of head that is retained well. Lacing is good in the glass, showing each gulp.

Has a floral smell with some caramel and maybe a small amount of spice.

Taste is very good for a Pale Ale. Good amount of hops are present, and there is a nice caramel taste on the back end.

This could be my new session beer if I could find it close by. Has a nice light body, but still packs a little bit of a punch.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2010 22:51:01 | More by BeerThursdays

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

3.98/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I got this brew from mday for winning SNF - Week 13, Thanks Mike!

12oz bottle served in a standard pint glass.

Chill hazed brassy color with a white head that thinned down to a layer and left a few bits of lacing.
Smell has some earthiness to it along with malt and floral/grassy hops.
Taste is balanced, sweet malt upfront with bitter, floral hop taste on the back end.
Medium bodied with good carbonation.
Easy drinking beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2009 22:05:32 | More by JoeyBeerBelly

sholland119

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A-Pours a nicely hazy amber with a little bit of off white head and no real lacing.

S-Malty with some light hop bitterness.

T-Biscuit malt with a heavy dose of orange rind bitterness and some earthy hops in the finish.

M-Medium bodied with a lingering puckery bitter note.

D-Very nice. A flavorful pale ale.

HV

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2009 00:46:42 | More by sholland119

akorsak

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A growler filled at the brewery on 29-Nov-08.

A: The pale ale is appropriately named, a light amber color that is several shades shy of a glass bottle. The ale is translucent, rather brilliant as it sits on my table. A small head on pour is lacing in thin patches around the mouth of the glass.

S: The ale is a balanced blend of biscuity pale malts and crisp citrus hops. The nose is quite bready.

T: The pale ale is very bready, loaded with pale biscuity malts that have a sweet touch. Citrus hops lie just below the surface, adding a pleasant bitterness to the ale. As the ale warms, fuller caramel malts emerge. The growler has lost some carbonation and the ale suffers for it.

M: The pale ale is well balanced, even with its decided focus on the malts. The ale doesn't break new ground but it satisfies.

D: Under 6%, this is a quaffable ale. A nice offering in, and welcome addition to, the central PA scene.

Serving type: growler

11-30-2008 19:42:09 | More by akorsak

mikereaser

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - pours an almost clear copper color with 1/4 inch of foam on top

S - earthy hops, slight citrus aromas, light caramel notes

T - nicely balanced taste with a bit of a hop bite to it

M/D - smooth and easy drinking and pretty tasty. Its definitely one that I would rely on as my go to drinking brew.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2009 19:37:17 | More by mikereaser

PeprSprYoFace

California

3.88/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance is golden. Head formed but dissapated to nothing.

Not much aroma. Little bit of malt. Not much hops.

Taste is pretty good. Nice and hoppy with malt background. Balanced pretty well but not much that makes it stand out.

Mouthfeel is good. No problems.

Overall if I lived where this was distributed I would buy a 6er every once in a while. No reason to seek it out though.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2010 22:59:39 | More by PeprSprYoFace

gratefulbrewski

Saskatchewan (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I was actually pretty impressed with this beer. Pours a cloudy amber/golden yellow hue. Nice malty smell and a bit of citrus. Not alot bitterness or hops tho. But overall a nice sessionable ale.Its hard to believe but sometimes I need a break from the IPA's and this seems to hit the spot.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2009 18:22:00 | More by gratefulbrewski

Tucquan

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev +7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I had this on tap this evening at Bully's in Columbia, PA. I hadn't seen this ale before but noticed the unique tap pull and decided to give it a go on the bartender's recommendation.

It was delicious. I enjoyed the fruity, hop aroma. The bitterness seemed very well balanced by the malt with a citrus overtone and the medium plus carbonation was just right.

I was surprised to learn that it is made right here in Lancaster County in the small hamlet of Conestoga. I hope Matt the brewer (found his name on their website) keeps up the good work.

Serving type: on-tap

03-27-2008 06:04:17 | More by Tucquan

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev +7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I picked this up at Thirsty's I was interested in comparing the bottled version against my previous draft review. I poured this chilled from the stubby brown 12oz er into a half pint glass.

A - A medium amber shade w/ faint haziness and a thick band of off white that hangs around for awhile. The lace that sticks is thick and holds the glass well. There is a nice shade to this and plenty of bubbles showing excellent carbonation and the bead is tight

S - Very mild yet fruity w/ a subtle citrus aroma w/ a nice lemony and pine tinged odor characteristic of cascade. When swirled this gives off a nice sweet ester w/ oily thick hop echoes

M - The feel is very crisp and clean - highly carbonated, yet slightly sweet up front. The secondary texture is gentle woody and slightly bitter and resinous hop notes. The beer is mild and medium bodied w/ a mostly dry finish

T - A slightly more piney hop flavor than I remember the draft version having. The flavor is still tasty and fresh w/ mild bitterness and a crisp wood and cherry like fruitiness from the yeast. The sweetness the malt provides is mild and balanced providing support w/ only the slightest flavor of alcohol. There is plenty of malt to support the bitter West coast the hops' citrus notes. I enjoy the mellow earthy and subtle resinous quality in the background. The flavor is well balanced and relaxed

D - A very refreshing, albeit standard take on the style made for quaffability. I might get bored if this was the only beer available fro the evenings enjoyment, but this does what it is meant to do and for that I give it -Very Good. The review may be slightly tilted toward the fresh draft I remmber, but I found this to be very drinkable and would not hestiate to pick this up if I am in the mood for an APA

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2008 23:23:16 | More by Slatetank