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

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed this beer on tap at Hopleaf in Chicago.

Really enjoyed it. My first impression was that it reminded me of a "hopped UP" Pete's Wicked Ale from the old days. (It's been a while since I've had Pete's and this is meant as a compliment)

Came with a thin but fairly creamy head that did show some resilience. Mostly clear with an Orange Amber color. Very nice lacing.

Aroma was of Citrus and some other fruits. Pineapple maybe??

Taste was excellent and very well balanced. Deep flavor and one that was nicely complex. A lot going on here with the different fruit flavors. The finish was surprising dry but did work with the flavor profile. Nice hop assertiveness but not overly done for an APA.

Light to light/medium body and very drinkable. I was in Chicago on business and wanted to sample a few local brews. If not for that, I would have enjoyed several of these throughout the night.

I'll be back for more of this one

Serving type: on-tap

08-25-2008 01:31:18 | More by Reagan1984

DrunkenMaster

California

3.9/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Coles. Great looking orange/amber colored beer. Smells a bit sweet with some tropical fruit and floral notes. Moderately bitter and fruity. I get berries in there somewhere. Alcohol comes through late but its subtle and adds to the flavor. An all around unique and tasty pale.

Serving type: on-tap

07-17-2008 12:42:30 | More by DrunkenMaster

avaulteriam

Illinois

4.93/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Huge hop presence in the nose, with much to offer in the malt department. Taste is quite sweet with huge hops to make it nice and bitter. I actually used to prefer this from the bottle slightly more, as it is less sweet, but now tap is where it's at. At any rate, an amazing session ale.

Serving type: on-tap

05-29-2008 22:16:32 | More by avaulteriam

brdc

Wisconsin

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

Had this at their location, on tap.

Dark golden with ruby overtones, and a white sticky head, just like from the bottle.
Nose is hoppy, fruity as expected, but the malts are quite noticeable as well, adding some sweetness, earthy/grainy features to balance it out. It feels very fresh, with a more pronounced fuitiness when compared to the bottle, which is an improvement.
Taste is very well-balanced just like the bottle; hoppy and, fruity but also at times malty and even somewhat sweet. Dry finish, but here, compared to the bottle, the fruitiness and bitterness feel a bit more noticeable, and it lingers for a bit longer.
Medium, creamy on the palate, it is very flavorful and well-hopped, but the malts are not ignored and maintain a very flavorful balance, although comparing to the bottle, the hops are a lit bit more upfront.
Impressive, even better than the bottle version.

Serving type: on-tap

05-12-2008 18:40:02 | More by brdc

genog

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Got to sample this on tap at the Map Room.

Poured a light ruby red amber color with a great sparkling body and sudsy light colored hear. Smell was very grainy with spicy citrusy hops that jump through. Taste is a balanced IPA with plenty of hops present as well as a strong grain bill. Some lemongrass comes through as well making this a really smooth mouth feeling. Drinkability is really high and this is one of my favorite sessionable beers if only it was more available in Ohio.

Serving type: on-tap

05-02-2008 14:53:23 | More by genog

tiger88

Alabama

3.9/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this one on draft the night before DLD and on DLD as well. Liked it and bought a 6 pack to bring home. I initially ordered this one to come down off my Alpha Kong high. It was a very pleasant APA. It was a clear, golden-orange with a nice, fluffy white head. It left a little lacing as the beer disappeared from my glass. A strong hop aroma did not translate into an overwhelming hoppy taste, which I was glad of since the Kong almost destroyed my tastebuds. It was a clean, crisp tasting pale ale. Light in the mouth with minimal aftertaste, this beer would be a great addition to my regular rotation....if I didn't live in Alabama.

Serving type: on-tap

04-29-2008 18:23:48 | More by tiger88

marcpal

New Jersey

4.85/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On tap at Hopleaf, poured into American pint glass.

This should be labeled a high quality, highest of quality IPA. Maybe Magic hat could learn something because it seems their IPAs are more Pales to me. This was a great beer.

A: Light amber with great clarity and pillowy head.

S: Wasnt expecting the grassiness and citrus hops that pounded my nose. wow.

T: No, no no... this my friends, is a well balanced IPA in every sense. The malt was there and gave a hello but the hops are tremendously strong and delectable. Grapefruit as well as some lemongrass were terrific.

M: As clean as can be. Spiciness is substantial but leaves you the hop burps.

D: I love the ABV given the taste that represents the balanced hops of a stronger IPA. I compare this one closely to 60 minute, I can absolutely not wait to get a load more of this one.

This was a true treat and 2nd FFF experience after being let down by Baru. This was remarkable and I need to trade for some more and Im happy to say I packed plenty in my luggage to bring home with me along with some GBhead.

Updated review (June - 2008)
Wanted to revisit with a bottle that was sent via trade. The hops are just as present and pleasant. Truly a damn fine beer, even more IPA like than I had remembered. delicious.

Serving type: on-tap

04-02-2008 16:34:08 | More by marcpal

adamette

Ohio

4.2/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap, expertly poured at Chef Paul's Bavarian House in Lisle, Illinois, my favorite place to drink beer in the world.

A Golden Brown 4.0

S 75 per cent hoppy 3.0

T Mild Hoppy 4.0

M Fine, not remarkable 3.5

D Good 4.0

This was a "safe" micro brew to my taste. It was suitably complex, interesting but it was not remarkable like others that I tried that night. It was good, just not remarkably good.

That was my first review. The values that I assigned are listed above as well. Here is my updated review:

Review from notes taken while I enjoyed this beer on tap at The Bavarian Lodge in Lisle, IL with (among others) my two brothers-in-law Steven and Mat August 21st, 2010. Mat lives within minutes of this place and we enjoy visiting there when I am in town. Poured into standard pint glass.

A Nice lacing left on the inside of the glass from a white head over a maroon, translucent body. The maroon may be more of a nutty brown, maroon body. Good look. 4.0

S Organic hops but they are reasonably balanced with a nice, nutty sweetness. Very inviting, interesting. 4.5

T Really great session Pale Ale which is hedging toward an IPA in my opinion. Taste of the moderate hops and slightly less than moderate sweet malt with a woodsy, nutty goodness as well. A real classic American Pale Ale. 4.0

M Moderate feel with bitter hops filling it up but a solid malt background filling it out as well. 4.0

D Again, really very good with a manageable ABV of 6.0% and all of that hops goodness! 4.5

Notes: I can see now why so many people like this, a true classic American Pale Ale!

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2008 16:16:29 | More by adamette

ColForbinBC

New Jersey

4.4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Had this on-tap at The Map Room in Chicago
(from notes)

Appeared a reddish amber, rather clear with a white head. Had nice staying power and left some good lacing.

Nose is of citrus and floral hops. Hints of tangerines and flowers. A nice burst right off the bat makes this one a winner already.

The hops really come through in the flavor. A giant punch of floral hops hits the tongue and then a perfectly sized toasted malt backbone takes over. A really bitter hop presence.

Smooth and velvety with a medium body.

The drinkability on this guy is right about where it should be for the style.

This is a great go-to...pale ale? Really? Could have fooled me. Anywho, consider yourself lucky if you can grab these on a regular basis.

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2008 18:21:47 | More by ColForbinBC

IBUnit63

Massachusetts

4.58/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Balanced hop aroma without residual bitterness. Heads up decently. Nice malt tones combine with hops of the style to make a beer that's scarily drinkable. Very clean mouthfeel. Has always been one of my favorites; for an IPA this drinks waaaayyy too easily.

Serving type: on-tap

01-27-2008 15:21:04 | More by IBUnit63

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.8/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I've had this a number of times but never had the occasion to review it. This review is based on a some I had on draft at the Map Room. Poured an orange/amber with a thin head that faded to a ring that stuck around. Smells of fruity apricot, cherry, a touch of rhubarb, with citrus as a top note. The taste is beautifully balanced and fruity,similar flavors as those found in the aroma, with cherry, vanilla, and citrus being especially pronounced. Nice hoppy bitterness in the finish. Mouthfeel is smooth, perfectly carbonated, a little rich. My absolute favorite session beer.I would have this around all the time if it were available in my area.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2008 00:33:44 | More by Georgiabeer

atrus138

Kentucky

4.7/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at Sportstime Pizza. Reddish bronze color, with a thin white head that disappeared before too long. Slightly hazy. Moderate lacing. Smell is a wonderful harbinger of what is to come. VERY hoppy, mainly citrus. If I thought that the nose was hoppy, it was nothing compared to how it actually tasted. This bad boy is like a hop bomb. Amazing. The hop flavors actually come at you harder and faster after you swallow, kind of like when a roller coaster goes down the first big hill. Thicker on the mouthfeel than most pale ales, though this is definitely a good thing. With such a low ABV, this is easily sessionable. One of my new favorites, especially when I'm craving hops.

Serving type: on-tap

01-11-2008 20:28:59 | More by atrus138

nanchen

Illinois

4.72/5  rDev +10%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This was a delicious, smooth, go-to beer. Poured a deep, rich amber orange. You can see through it, but only dimly.

I didn't really observe the head too much, but it seemed fairly standard. Had a few centimeters and then disappeared.

Aroma was definitely fruity or hoppy, some floral elements and really a treat to smell. Oranges, slightly caramel or toffee scents lend a more smooth texture to the smell. The hops don't become overpowering because of this.

The taste was similar in that you can definitely taste the hops, but they are not so prominent as to be the star. They mix well with the maltiness and some toffee, creamyness and make for a very easy to drink beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-08-2008 17:38:18 | More by nanchen

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a hazed golden amber. Nose seems to have apricots on it. Flavor is heavy with hops with the apricot present on the palate as well. Just as with other hop happy brews, you get that taste of hops lodged in the back of your mouth and it lingers. Feel is great. I get a silky smooth texture that slides over my tongue. Oh so drinkable. A hop lover and a craft brew lovers dream. Awesome beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-30-2007 15:25:56 | More by RblWthACoz

JamesS

Indiana

4.93/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This is excellent! Three Floyds has done a great job with their flagship beer. Comes out a nice copper color and has very good head and nice lacing. It has a wonderful scent, very hoppy without being overly bitter. The same for the taste, along with a great caramel taste as well that serves to sweeten it a bit. Went down very easy. It was so good I got a growler of it to take home.

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2007 02:57:21 | More by JamesS

waldoiverson

Texas

4.25/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours orangeish red .

S - Pine and citrus take center stage.

T - Pine and grapefruit with some bitterness but not overwhelming

M - Not too carbonated and with a medium body

D - It is a potent Pale Ale, maybe leaning towards an IPA. Still, this beer is exceptionally drinkable. Recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

09-30-2007 20:57:58 | More by waldoiverson

MrMcGibblets

Illinois

4.72/5  rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

man, i loved this via bottle but on-tap this shit is even better. deep orange amber in color with slightly more clarity than the bottled version, the freshness from drinking it at the 3f pub took this over the top for me. even via bottle this has a thick, creamy off-white head that cannot be denied, leaving globs of lacing even after the beer is gone. citrusy hops dominate the nose with nice, rich, bready malts mixed in. subtle floral and pine notes as well, along with some caramel and honey. nice amount of sweetness at the front and with plenty of hop bitterness clearing it out leading to a long, complex, crisp/bitter finish. medium in body, this beer just leaves you wanting more and more. almost drinks like a dipa but at 6% you can have several of these. this is a must-try beer. if you ever have the misfortune of being in munster go get this stuff fresh. and when you're done, inhale the bouqet left behind-an absolute grapefruit bomb remains in the bottom of the glass.

Serving type: on-tap

04-16-2007 00:12:50 | More by MrMcGibblets

akorsak

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A pint glass served at the Brewhouse Grille in Camp Hill, PA. The drinkability comments are the same as the original bottle review.

A: The pale ale is a deep amber, almost red color with a small ring of head and no indication of lacing.

S: The aroma is strong on hops, primarily a medicinal spicy element. The hops are bitter but not overwhelming.

T: The ale has a hop flavor that provides a strong citrus kick and are balanced nicely against the grainy malt body. The hops are grapefruity with just a hint of medicinal tartness.

Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel is dominated by hops but not to the extreme of a dreadnaught.

Drinkability: The ale is quite drinkable and, in my mind, a restrained version of Dreadnaught.

Serving type: on-tap

03-18-2007 18:33:13 | More by akorsak

drinknewbelgium

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

pours dark with a great head that lasts with the entire beer smells citrus and hops tasts citrusy with strong hop content with the perfect balance feels full and goes done smooth could drink these all night

exceptional beer drink one if you can get your hands on it

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2007 23:47:53 | More by drinknewbelgium

Tyrawlings

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap poured into a pint glass.

A: Amber with orange hues. Fluffy white one fingered head takes it sweet old time dissolving into a nice soft mirco bubble layer on the the top of the serving. Sticky spider web like lacing crawls all over the glass.

S: Aromatic floral and citrus. Pine sap. Yeast and sweet malt. Wet earth.

T: Big citrus and pine hops are followed by a medicine like bitter hop bite and grapefruit. A malt wave kicks in and balances the beer out perfectly. The beer finishes with a clean and leafy or tea like aftertase.

M: Clean and smooth. Medium carbonation. Slick but drying mouthfeel.

D: This is one extremely clean and refreshing brew. Drinkability is off the charts. A session beer for hopheads and a regular in my refrigerator. Highly Recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

02-13-2007 01:36:04 | More by Tyrawlings

EvilKeith

Alabama

4.45/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer is brewed not far from my house and until now I have been too intimidated to review it. Perhaps it says something of my developing palate that I loved it and can fully appreciate this one.

His Highness, the Alpha King, arrived in a pint glass lightly hazed and deep amber in color. His crown was a creamy tan finger of sudsy foam. The lacing was delightfully thick and sticky.
The smell was all about his Majesty’s hops. Primarily scents of green leafy hops, grapefruit citrus, pine resin, and light florals were noted with sweet caramel malts and light fruity esters rounding out the nose.
The taste was piney, grapefruit citrus acidity with a solid sweet malty backbone and a moderately assertive bitterness with a pleasant dry finish. Hoppy, but still well balanced.
There was moderate carbonation, a medium body and slick, oily mouthfeel.

Long live the King! This is assertively hopped, well balanced and highly drinkable. I will visit the kingdom again, soon.

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2006 15:46:59 | More by EvilKeith

blsfreak

Indiana

4.93/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Being a hophead, I love this one. I would not recommend this to the average Bud or Corona drinker, they would not be happy. I do recommend this awesome beer to my friends, I love this one. I have yet to find anything Three Floyd's brews I don't like. They and I seem to share the love of hops and this is by far a great hoppy beer. Highly recommended for the hophead

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2006 03:54:23 | More by blsfreak

DaveFL1976

Florida

4/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A dark honey body, crystal clear, with a long-lasting, sturdy head. A pretty beer. The smell is grapefruit with a strong malty bakground. Taste is intense on the aroma hops. Loads of citrus, but well balanced with sweet malt. The mouthfeel is a little thicker than I expected. Drinkability is really good. A well-balanced beer, but a bit chewier than I expected.

Serving type: on-tap

08-21-2006 14:45:39 | More by DaveFL1976

Redrover

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap from the home kegerator, served in an Imperial Pint glass, the beer is a dark bronze with a dense light copper head. Very good lacing.

The beer has a big aroma of hops (citrus & pine) back with sweet caramel.

The taste is bracing and attention getting. Nice bitterness with pine undertones. The beer is balanced by some semi-sweet malts that add a slightly sweet counterpoint. This is a hopped up APA and could easily fall into the IPA camp. Beer is complex with some slight molasses and citrus notes.

The mouth is pleasantly oily and a bit thick. Drinkabity is very nice. Session beer all the way. My favorite of the 3F’s regulars.

Serving type: on-tap

08-04-2006 00:56:41 | More by Redrover

expatsteve

Wisconsin

4.1/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Orange amber in color, with 1/4 head that thins to a light sudsy skin. Medium visibility. Low/medium viscosity.

Aroma: Kiwifruit and mild grapefruit. Sweet malts underneath, and some orange and honey notes. Great fresh aroma.

Taste: Nice balance - pine and grapefruit hops bristle on the front and middle palates, while sweet cantaloupe and honey notes develop alongside this and control the aftertaste. Fruity developments as it warms - kiwi, orange and sweet citric bursts.

Mouthfeel: Thinner than it looks, which keeps this really drinkable; no bitterness in the aftertaste - just a hint of toffee malts.

Drinkability: Great pale ale, though the fruitiness is more reminiscent of an IPA than it is an APA (which I tend to think have heavier malts). Nonetheless, this is a fairly unique flavor that displayed a lot more balance than I thought I'd find in a FFF pale ale. Refreshing and sessionable brew.

Serving type: on-tap

07-22-2006 03:32:35 | More by expatsteve