Alpha King Pale Ale - Three Floyds Brewing Co. & Brewpub

JohnnyMc

Ohio

4.51/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Flagship beer!!

Pours out a nice, clear deep amber with orange hints and 2.5 fingers of an off-white head.

The aroma is full of orange peel, grapefruit and some pine hop notes. There is a decent amount of caramel sweetness and some bready malt notes.

Again, just like in the aroma it's more hop forward; big citrus notes, some grapefruit and pine too. There is a rather strong malt backbone of caramel that lends some sweetness to balance the bitterness and some bready notes.

The body is light-medium and the mouthfeel is decently creamy. It finishes very crisp and clean.

This is a great APA, but like most Three Floyds Pale Ales this drinks more like an IPA. It has a great amount of hops, but the amount of malt makes this easy to drink and really balances it out. A tad overhyped, but great. Worth trying!

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 00:59:31 | More by JohnnyMc

magictacosinus

California

4.29/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This was the first beer by FFF I got to try on my recent trip to Chicago. It didn't disappoint! Poured into a tulip glass at the Map Room, located on the lower west side of town. Review is from my notes.

The color is a strong orange-amber color, topped with a large 3 finger of head that eventually dies down to a small ring, yet never seems to let go. Carbonation is very light, in spite of the large head. There's a ton of lacing on the glass, which is always appealing. The color emits a syrupy, slightly viscous texture. It may be the tulip here, but this doesn't look quite like any pale ale I've seen to date.

The aroma is filled with toasted graininess, oranges, plums (?!), and loads of dried citrus loaded underneath the beer. The graininess and lightly sweetened malt character definitely seems to be the focus here, but I've heard here and there that FFF is known for their wild hopped concoctions regardless of the style. Indeed, the hops here have a slight dried character atop the malts, but rather than remaining as a stereotypical "citrus" profile, they seem to meld with the malt backbone to provide juicy fruits from plums (still bewildered there), apricots, maybe a light dash of melon. Pretty awesome stuff in that respect.

The flavor consists of an initial malt creaminess and thickness, only to end in a citrus dry finish with all of the aforementioned fruits. This becomes ever more present as it warms up, but there is, from the very beginning, a syrupy, sticky texture that enhances the fruit profile. It's jammy at the finish, maybe a little floral, but it's definitely an orange-based, lightly caramelized malt combo that works in a very balanced manner. The beer is also very well carbonated, which further promotes balance and gives this its juicy texture.

What perhaps may be the most "normal" of easy to find FFF offerings, it's still quite different from pale ales that I'm used to. This isn't your cascade-focused pale ale here! The maltiness is very hearty, and combined with the very pleasant range of hops, it's far more juicy and zesty as a result. I really enjoyed this – its balanced nature could make this *the* go-to pale ale in my fridge year-round if I could only get this out West. Glad I got to try it at least!

Serving type: on-tap

05-01-2013 04:18:46 | More by magictacosinus

beersnob_kyle

Indiana

4.33/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

this is a great beer that i can get at pretty much any liquor store in my city!

A: golden in color with a white head that disappeared almost immediately

S: hops, citrus, lime, pine?

T: great balance of the hops, citrus really shines for me in this part.

M: carbonation, bitterness, greatness.

O: ill keep it in my back pocket but if you have never had it then pick up a 6 pack and give it a go, you won't be disappointed.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 00:09:50 | More by beersnob_kyle

mscudder

Georgia

4.21/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Served in a pint.

A - Copper hue with a thick frothy head. Retention and lacing were both superb.

S - Pale malts, citrus, touch of lemon and mild hops.

T - Lots of malt for balance and a ton of citrus hops. Noticed some grapefruit and slightly sweet tones as it closed.

M- Medium body with good carbonation.

O - Really enjoyed this one. Could throw back a few with ease if the time were right! Sadly, I notice I am in GA, and this is outside of their distribution.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2013 21:32:35 | More by mscudder

tbryan5

Louisiana

4.49/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to griffeyb for sending me this one to try.

12 oz. bottle poured into a tulip.

A- 1.5 - 2 finger head that steadily dissipates. Deep, rich copper. Almost red in color. Lots of lacing on the sides of the glass.

S- The light fruit aroma hits up front but is immediately followed by the gorgeous hop aroma that is characteristic of an APA. It is very pleasant.

T- Same as the smell. The sweet fruit is up front followed by the bitter hop characteristics. They mesh really well here though.

M- Light to medium carbonation. It coats the tongue for a second after every sip. Even more so ad it warms slightly.

O- Excellent APA. If I could get this around here I would definitely pick this up again. And as a side note, three floyds bottle artwork really jumps out at you. Truly a great beer...

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2013 02:11:37 | More by tbryan5

macrosmatic

Florida

3.64/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75

Thanks to Irishace9 for this bottle! Reviewed from notes. Poured from 12 oz. bottle into a Russian River pint glass.

A: Pours a deep copper, mildly hazy, with a 1.5 finger white head. Visible carbonation on the low side.

S: Light grassy and pine hops, sweet bready malts with a touch of caramel.

T: Follows the nose, with the addition of some citrus rind hops. But the caramel and toffee malts seem more dominant than the nose would suggest. Moderate bitterness for an APA in the hang.

M: Heavy body for an APA, moderate alcohol presence, and decent carbonation.

O: Honestly, too much caramel malt and too big of a beer for the claimed style. It's a somewhat above average IPA, I think. But FFF misses the target here.

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2013 22:15:00 | More by macrosmatic

kojevergas

California

3.85/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Expections were very high given its reputation. I dig the label art. 12 fl oz bottle acquire for $6 at Hopleaf in Chicago and served into a pilsner glass. Reviewed from notes taken in March 2013.

A: Pours a one finger beige soft head of good cream and thickness, and very good retention. Body colour is a clear vibrant amber. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. Translucent. Well executed for the style.

Sm: Timid floral hops, light nectary hop character, and light hop oil. Pale malts. Very fresh; I pick up a hop nugget just smelling it. A mild strength aroma. No yeast character or alcohol is detectable.

T: Tropical bright fruit esters, floral hop character, light nectary character, and hop oil. Balanced, but the tropical fruit (banana, mango, perhaps passionfruit) doesn't suit the style or the build as well as it could. Evocative and tasty, but there isn't impressive depth of flavour here. Well executed and refreshing. Good pale malt body.

Mf: Smooth and wet. A bit oily. Good carbonation, if slightly overdone. Good presence on the palate.

Dr: Highly drinkable for the style. Hides its ABV well. I'd get it again. I can see why it's coveted; it's pretty good stuff. Mostly lives up to its reputation, but I wouldn't say I'm blown away by it. Solid for a pale ale. Another impressive beer from Three Floyds. I'd definitely get it again.

B+

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2013 20:40:33 | More by kojevergas

Frankinstiener

Illinois

4.24/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

I've had this beer several times over the years but I finally just started reviewing beer (because I regret not having notes for the past few years) so why not review this one?

I've always liked the label art. No freshness date but my store just got it in so I'll assume its fresh. I love the look of this beer poured into a pint glass, darker then your average pale ale (or ipa) amber, with some caramel color, hazy, nice head and lacing. Don’t get me wrong it has plenty of hops up front but this thing is well balanced and the very last taste in the back of my mouth is toasty malts. This is damn good beer, I love how the citrus hop flavor up front is balanced and nearly taken over by malt. Hate to use the "malt backbone" cliché but it's really appropriate here. It takes a hell of a malt backbone to even out these hops. Times change fast, this used to be seen as a real hop bomb of a pale ale/IPA but now that job is left up to it’s brother Zombie Dust, meanwhile this one is becoming a classic.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2013 01:37:31 | More by Frankinstiener

drrone

Utah

4.6/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- Pours a nice copper/amber color that is slightly hazy. Two inches of fluffy head that left a nice ring of lace as it receded.

S- Beautiful hoppy citrus, but not overly so. Nice notes of orange and pine.

T- Very interesting combination of favors. Hops, caramel, malt in an amazing dance. I'm very impressed.

M - It feels light to drink and smooth. It finishes crisp and leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

O- Very impressed by this beer. It is nicely balanced, easy to drink and keeps my interest through out the glass. Very nice. Too bad I had only one, I think I will have to pursue more of this.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 23:48:16 | More by drrone

Fux

France

4.53/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A: Golden copper with a small foamy white head
S: Smell is hoppy, fruity, with oranges, mangos. There is also a solid malty base, mainly biscuit, toasted bread aromas.
T: Taste is also very hoppy, with floral flavors. Also sweet and loads of exotic fruits.
M: Sharp attack on the palate. Very good carbonation very well balanced by the sweetness. Finishes dry, very refreshing.
O: A very nice pale ale. Refreshing, also tasty and well balanced.

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2013 21:51:20 | More by Fux

smakawhat

Maryland

4.43/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured on tap into a sampler 4 oz. taster at Pizza Paradiso Dupont. Way overdue for reviewing this one.

A good basic amber copper, with light light tan to off white color and leaving a solid collar. Good lacing on this drink while finishing, and fairly crystal clear very nice.

Aroma jumps out. Wonderful juicy orange with a nice sweetness. No hop bitterness noticeable, with a little white grass. It's very pleasant and inviting.

Palate is rich and full on first sip. Wonderful mix of mild wood hop and orange and tangerine citrus. Light hints of grapefruit with a spritzy hop feel and character. Palate is juicy matching the hinted bouquet.

Juicy. Full. Stupid easy to drink, and full of flavor. A great touch of juice and spicy finish quality. This is either way better on tap, or I had an old bottle cause this is nothing like I remember it.

Old review - bottle (4)(4)(3.5)(4)(3) ---

Poured into a pint glass resembling a really nice golden/brown color body that is clear. Cream off/white head with fairly tight bubbles and some minor visible carbonation. Real good head retention.

Standard bouquet but a good one. Simple citrus grapefruit with a sweetness and hop aroma. Very nice.

Upon drinking first comes a very hoppy front more in the standard of an American IPA, with a good finish. I keep forgetting this is suppose to be a pale ale but it sure doesn't feel like one. This is quite an okay drink but nothing here I would desperately want to have for an APA.

Serving type: on-tap

03-28-2013 23:34:24 | More by smakawhat

DrinkMoreBigBeers

Michigan

4.23/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

No date on the bottle.

A - Poured a 2 finger off white fluffy head with a amberish clear body. Look nice and well carbonated. Leaves excellent lacing. This brew looks frothy and thick when moved around.

S - The nose smells like a straight up IPA, with lots of Pine, with some citrus, slight garlic, and a distinct bready malt backbone.

T - Follows the nose well, pine forward, some spiciness that last throughout, dank resin, little citrus, grassy and a sweet malty breadyness balances this brew. However, definitely hoped forward with no detection of the alcohol.

M - Very soft medium full bodied beer that feels lovely in the mouth. All I can say is smooth and drinkable. Hops do bite your taste buds after awhile. Carbonation is spot on to offset the softness of this brew, well done!

O - Glad to have finally been able to try a Three Floyds Brew not to mention their flagship beer. This one definitely delivers full flavor for a Pale Ale and almost reminds me of an IPA with its characteristics. Even though this seems to be a huge Pale Ale it delivers and definitely does not disappoint, keep it up FFF! Oh I wish I had another one.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2013 23:19:13 | More by DrinkMoreBigBeers

StonedTrippin

Colorado

4.18/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

real hoppy for a pale ale, more of an ipa to me. very red in color, not quite amber, but definitely moving in that direction, with a big rich tan head that doesn't fade at all. bold hop aromas are just blasting out of this, with equal parts forest and fruit grove. definitely some higher alpha acid varieties, this beer seems by the smell to be very appropriately named. the flavor actually does find some malt balance, despite the intense hopping. there is a sweeter yet dry American caramel malt going on, which holds up the hops quite well. plenty of citrus bitterness in the finish too, not lemony, but equally pungent. there is also a sort of woody character to this that I sometimes find in hoppy beers, not like its been oaked, but like its made in part from freshly milled timber. in any event, the finish is about an 7 on a 10 point bitter scale, strong but not overbearing. nice mouthfeel too, maybe a little dense for the style, but this is a style that's constantly in flux anyways. plenty of carbonation and a decent abv make this about the perfect 6pack beer in my mind. One of my first few beers from the much hyped three floyds, and it did not disappoint, although I can think of several American pales that are every bit as good as the alpha king here. still fantastic.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 17:24:02 | More by StonedTrippin

Brewganja

Illinois

4.89/5  rDev +14%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Hands down one of my favorite beers. It has a strong citrus smell followed by a fresh hoppy scent. It rolls down the palette, intoxicating and bursting with flavor. I have had the opportunity to have a glass from a cask at Three Floyd's brew pub and the flavors are more present than on the tap or in the bottle. Dont expect to like any "lite" beer after this gem.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2013 04:19:20 | More by Brewganja

DRyan

Texas

3.98/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured into a crappy little hotel tumbler glass from a too-cold bottle.

A: pours a ruddy orange with a decent white head that doesn't stick around too long but leaves decent lacing

S: great hop aroma, with a good malty backbone. This glass is really not codusive to this!

T: love. It's hoppy but not overly, malty sweet but not overly, just a great balance.

M: what I expect from a pale ale. Thin mouthfeel with light, zesty carbonation. Smooth.

D: very. Wish I had more right now!

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2013 02:27:57 | More by DRyan

SlothB77

Virginia

3.48/5  rDev -18.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

12 ounce bottle poured into glass

A: Dark copper with half a finger of milky white head, viscous and a little rocky.

S: Grapes, passion fruit and cut grass.

T: Slick sour taste, toast and honey. Lemony sour mixed with hedgerow.

M: Medium-body, medium carbonation, acidic, slick, sour and bitter.

O: This is a little too sour for my taste, but I am more of a fan of IPA's than I am of pale ales.

Serving type: nitro-bottle

03-20-2013 00:07:15 | More by SlothB77

hoosiersapper27

Indiana

4.18/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 12oz bottle to glass.

Looks great...reddish brown ale color. The head of my beer was short, 1/2 finger with minimal lacing. I do believe this beer has some age on it though.

Smells fantastic...Citrus pines like a lime and pinecone crossbreed.

Its a good Hoppy ale. Im still new to the world of IPA's or Big hoppy beers but this one is actually enjoyable to drink unlike some.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2013 03:27:04 | More by hoosiersapper27

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.23/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Stone pint.

A- pours a dark golden with a 2" off white head. Big trails and cliffs of lacing cover the glass.

S- lots of caramel, some toffee, citrus and pine.

T- caramel, toasted malts, citrus, nice bitter pine finish.

M- medium body and carbonation. Bigger feel for a pale, slightly syrupy.

O- nice pale/ipa. Closer to two hearted than Sierra pale. Nice caramel and citrus, with good amount of pine bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 00:58:50 | More by kawilliams81

brewtus

Ohio

4.29/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Pours hazy copper with a fairly dense bubbly head that doesn't last too long. Smell s orange, pine, bready, lemon. Taste starts with sweet malt that makes way for citrus fruits and tropical fruits, some caramel, earthy, sweet hop profile, nice grainy backbone. Overall a very very drinkable beer, amazing balance of malt and hops, a beer anyone can love, but still has a distinct profile.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2013 00:42:44 | More by brewtus

blakelive784

Colorado

3.74/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Thanks to Docrock!

12 fl oz brown glass bottle served in a goblet, reviewed live:

A - Pours a murky grapefruit-esque red/orange color with two fingers of sticky cream colored head. Retention's very good and the head leaves tight lacing as it recedes. Appealing.

S - Heavy citric hops notes, blood orange, buttery caramel, grapefruit and crystal malts. Not one note dominates. No alcohol on the nose. Fresh and pleasant. Seemingly well balanced. Inviting, to say the least.

T - Opens with clean pale malts. Strangely a bit buttery. Musty floral hops that I didn't find on the nose are present throughout. Heavy citrus on the finish. Not bitter at all. Very well balanced. There's a light spice note near the finish I can't put my finger on (pepper?). Not incredibly complex, but well built. I'm having it.

M - Oily, slick, and smooth. Well carbonated.

D - Absurdly drinkable. I'd definitely get it again, if I was so lucky. My second beer from Three Floyds, and I can't wait to try more.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 23:39:27 | More by blakelive784

lunar276

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Very good beer. Picked up one of these at the new Whole Foods in Kildeer. Poured into a Sam Adams perfect pint. A very appealing dark golden color bordering on a red. A nice thin head carrying through. A different oily texture in the mouth. Smooth and bold hop flavor to start and finishes smooth. Very solid beer. I will definitely buy this beer again.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2013 03:13:39 | More by lunar276

SportsandJorts

Michigan

3.99/5  rDev -7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Type: 12 oz bottle
Glass: pint
From: Big Red Liquor in French Lick IN
Price: $11 a six pack

Appearance: deep orange, slightly coppery. pretty hazy. small off white head that fades slowly and lacing on the sides

Smell: Strong hops, mostly pine, some citrus. a strong graininess that doesn't quite take the backseat to the hops

Taste: Opens up with hops strong pine with some citrus sneaking in. The grains take over in the form of toasted malts. the two tastes are well balance and neither comes out the clear king.

Mouthfeel: a tad to sticky. lingering bitterness. medium body good carbonation

Overall: a pretty tasty hop-strong pale ale. not quite an amazing beer. I'd like a bit more citrus but another solid from a brewery that should expand to Michigan, now that they have added Ohio

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2013 03:36:53 | More by SportsandJorts

sbxx

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Didn't have time to do a full-on analysis, but I'll sum it up quickly -

Both a great looking and great tasting pale ale with tons of flavor that goes down clean and smooth. Bold hop character with background malt that balances it out. This is FFF's flagship brew for a reason.

Great stuff!

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 08:34:09 | More by sbxx

Rainblows

Illinois

4.34/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Had on cask yesterday at the FFF brewpub. 10 oz pour into a nonic pint, amber colored with a beautiful whitish head that laced the whole way down. Smooth mouthfeel, almost undercarbed. Hops are almost understated yet balanced making Alpha King an easy drinker compared to Zombie Dust. One of my favorite regular bottlings from FFF, a treat to have on cask!

Serving type: cask

02-27-2013 22:22:56 | More by Rainblows

emyers

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12 oz. bottle poured into a Sam Adams perfect pint glass.

Appearance: Pours a slightly cloudy amber color with a one inch creamy off-white head. Leaves a great lacing all the way down the glass.

Smell: Strong grapefruit and pine hop aroma balanced out by biscuit and caramel malts. While it's definitely hop-forward, I'm actually fairly surprised by the strength of the malt presence in the nose.

Taste: More pine and grapefruit up front (heavier on the pine) with biscuit and caramel malt balancing it out. Bittering hops have a strong showing throughout the tasting experience. This is definitely closer to an IPA than a pale ale, but it's 3 Floyd's, so not surprising. While it isn't overpoweringly hoppy from a flavor standpoint, the bittering hops definitely push this into IPA territory.

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body, bittering hops make it very crisp. Highly drinkable.

Overall: All-around great pale ale (if you can call it that), and a very fitting flagship beer for 3 Floyd's. Even better when you consider the $35 price tag on a case directly from the brewery.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2013 00:54:09 | More by emyers