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

DrJay

Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Very clear coppery red topped by cream coloured foam. The head was a bit on the thin side, but it stayed around throughout and left some decent lace on the glass. Intense citrus hop aroma, but still soft like low alpha hops were used for finishing. Also a bit grassy with moderate maltiness that doesn't hang around for long. High bitterness, again soft from the use of lower alpha acid hops, with lots of citrus and floral character. Low malt sweetness. Very dry, hoppy finish with plenty of citrus. Medium body and moderate carbonation with a soft, smooth texture. Very tasty beer with a lot of hop character that isn't overpowering. Highly drinkable and something I'd love to find on tap. Thanks Viggo.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2005 00:42:36 | More by DrJay

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

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

LesleyH recently included this as an extra (!) in a box of CANs he was trading to me and my mouth flew open when I saw it. I have NO idea why I never reviewed it until now, but I am grateful for the opportunity.

From the bottle: "Alpha King is an American Pale Ale with a bold citrus hop character. We brew all our beers for our own demanding tastes. If you're unwilling to compromise on your beer, we urge you to try it."

My pour was as aggressive as Nick would have wanted, I am sure. I ended up with a finger-and-a-half of rocky tawny head with retention like a bad guest: it would not go away. Color was a deep coppery-amber with NE-quality clarity. Now, before I say, "BUPGOO!", imagine putting this in kids' hands ... How about a box of matches to go with? Even after all of that thinking and typing, the head was still hanging in, leaving behind the kind of lacing that will require a jackhammer to remove later. Nose had the kind of upfront hops intensity that seared my nostrils! Really, it was big on piney hops and underlain with caramel malt sweetness. This should be an air freshener, especially for my classroom. Mouthfeel was creamy, exploding with hops initially and then letting the malt get a chance. I amend my initial take on the mouthfeel to "oily". Man, they squeezed those hops for all that they were worth! Once more, I began to hear my Hops Monkey screeching for his Jones. F**k! I rue the day Victory Hop Devil touched my lips and sent me down the road to Perdition. I am a Hops Junkie, nay, a Hops Fiend and every time I wean myself off the hops, a beer comes along to pull me back in. Finish had the hops that I crave and although the malt tried to assert itself, I was focused on dem hops, baby. S**t, what can I hock in this dump and get some scratch? I need to be on the road, like tomorrow if not sooner, so I can score some more of this! Hey, man, is it normal to itch like this? My skin is crawlin'. Dig, my neighbor across the way deals in hops, so maybe I can cop a taste to hold me over. He lets me buy a pellet at a time, just to dissolve under my tongue. Yo, lemme get a hit of some Columbus or some Amarillo, bro. He's down, but I gotta hit the source (again). This tongue-poppin' bottle-swiilin' nonsense ain't makin' it. I gotta get a hit offa the tap, baby!

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2011 22:01:11 | More by woodychandler

HopHead84

California

4.08/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A great extra from a generous BA knocks off an unlisted want. A vigorous pour yields a 1 finger head. Dark reddish brown with minimal lacing. There is a nice floral hop aroma with a trace of citrus. The taste is well balanced, with a small and sweet malt backbone balancing out the astringent hops. The beer is medium bodied with good carbonation, and I want another.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2008 03:53:20 | More by HopHead84

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured an awesome tawny, sunset orange with a slow moving head - took a second to start up then (like bread in an over) slowly raised to the perfect spot, and just leveled off and would keep for the tasting. A very nice semi-clouded shade. Thorough lacing too. Explosive aromatics. One of the most full bouquets I've encountered with any style. And lively too, quite vibrant. Mouthfeel is surprisingly smooth, drinkability is at a super high level. A polished mouthfeel leaves the flavour almost undetectable for a second, then you can feel the hops come back and coat your mouth. A great deal of citrus character. Different hops come out but the malt is blended in well enough it keeps this beer level without interfering with the hops. In other words, this taste and smells (and well overall, just plain IS) ultra hoppy - but it doesn't feel like it! Immense job with their flagship beer. A big, huge thanks to HogTownHarry!

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2006 05:27:09 | More by biegaman

kojevergas

California

3.85/5  rDev -10.5%
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

stakem

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this brew serveral times over the last year but only getting around to reviewing it now care of a bottle from adamb0719. Thanks Adam! Reviewed on 12/13/10.

Pours a perfectly clear amber color that depending on how you look at it, appears more ruby or orange colored depending on the angle. A yellowish tan head appears and clings around the edges. Patchy lace clings to the glass.

Aroma is fruity with citrus notes and a toasty caramel malt suggestion that is sweet like almost brown sugar through to the back. A little spicy and herbal with grassy notes. Lightly piney with a tingle of alcohol in the nose.

Taste is toasty caramel malt, moderate herbal hoppy bitterness that is clingy and almost grassy. A good ratio of sweet maltiness to hoppy bitterness. A lingering resinous hoppy aftertaste is enjoyable with a light musty character.

Light to medium in the feel with a modest amount of carbonation. Quite a bold, herbal hop character with toasty caramel to offset the bitterness. This is a very solid brew that is easy drinking.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2011 19:20:44 | More by stakem

Derek

British Columbia (Canada)

4.45/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

At 6% abv and 66 IBU's, isn't it really more of an American IPA?

A: Clear copper in colour, pours with a nice white head, which leaves a little lace.

S: Tons of citrousy American hop aroma (mostly grapefruit) .

T: Lots of American hop flavour (grapefruit with a little pine), it's powerful, but not overwhelming. Certainly balanced to the bitter side, but it's a very pleasant bitterness. There's a little bit of pale malt flavour in the background, with a hint of caramel as well.

M: Light to moderate body is slightly oily. Carbonation is moderate.

D: At 6% alcohol, it could certainly be trouble!

Thanks for picking this one up Dave!

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2006 00:12:28 | More by Derek

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.8/5  rDev +11.6%
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

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into Sierra Nevada Tulip Pint Glass

Pours a 1/r finger of dark beige head. Retention not the best, nor the lacing. Color is an extremely hazed orange caramel brown.

Aroma: Initially, I get some caramel, then comes the hops and citrus. Pine and floral hops are well complimented with mango and peaches. Wow, this is really good coming from a Pale Ale. Almost gets a 4.5.

Taste: Right off the top I get the citrus and hop blend. Nice mango and peach flavor mixed in with a big pine flavor, backed up with some floral hops. Then the caramel malts come into play and balance things out a bit. For a pale ale. this deserves the 4.5 I am giving it.

Mouthfeel: Has a nice bite to it, but a little creamy from the malts. Somewhat balanced, but the hops are a bit dominate. Medium bodied along with a lower level of carbonation.Ends with a slight dry hoppy aftertaste.

Overall, this pale ale is great. I think it is really hard for a brewer to brew a pale ale that tastes very good, but FFF did a great job. This one went fast and even the family enjoyed a few samples.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2009 23:19:03 | More by mothman

Dogbrick

Ohio

4.53/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Barley's Smokehouse. Definitely a nice surprise to find this on draught considering how much of a fan I am of the bottled version. Pours a dark amber color with thin chunks of a light beige head that disappeared quickly. Thin and quick lacing. The aroma has a nice bouquet of floral hops, grapefruit and malt. Medium-bodied with a mouthfeel that really cannot be improved upon. Robust hops flavor with citrus and a great malt balance. The finish is long and nicely bitter. I would never tire of this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-06-2005 17:38:28 | More by Dogbrick

tavernjef

Minnesota

4.55/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Clear copper color, small beige compact head, lots of sheeting lace - Alpha King "Gorgeous George the III" Pale Ale, yep...that'll do.

Mighty fine hopified wiffer for an aroma, highly sweet, softly resinous, calming citrus, slick pine, freshly floral; its got it all in the hop profile. Dreadnaughts little brother for a nose. A hop bouquet! Nicey nice. Yum.

Taste has a well rounded front, slight fruity malts with hop flavors of dulled citrusy stuff. Builds quickly from there with fresh floral tones, crisp yet green like a green bean, toasty just past midway, growing into lingering hop piney bitterness which is pretty full of good Ol' alpha acids to fade off and squeeze out any sweetness remaining. Quite juicy and resinous with a favorable drying of bitterness. Some slight toffee eeks its way onto the sides of the cheeks super later.

Feel is clean, slick, quick the whole way through, about medium body, nearing more lighter due to its remarkable cleanness - calming and smooth in the front, wafting hoppy finish of refined bitterness and light drying for its back.

It's been along while since I've had this, my memory of it had completely diminished 'til now. Now that I've had it again; well I'm wishing 3F still was available here.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2004 01:13:12 | More by tavernjef

thagr81us

South Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Massive thanks to aasher for this as an extra in a past in-person trade. Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Poured yellow-orange with a two and a half finger off-white head that subsided to a half finger very slowly. Maintained excellent lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, caramel, citrus, and citrus hop. The flavor was of sweet malt, caramel, chocolate, citrus, and citrus hop. It had a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a pretty excellent brew. Very well balanced and complex. Not too much missing on this one. If you haven't tried this before, get off your ass or trade for it. You won't be disappointed.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2011 12:57:58 | More by thagr81us

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

4.38/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: This beer appears an orange sunburst color with a half inch of head. The head hangs out for a few minutes before leaving some decent lacing in its tracks.

S: The aroma consists primarily of hops with some citrus, followed by malt. This is more hop forward than is normal for a pale ale.

T: The beer tastes well balanced and full of flavor, with hops shining through.

M: Crisp and refreshing finish, with a solid carbonation level. An all around nice feel. Well done.

D: Really easy to drink. A great beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2011 17:29:26 | More by Huhzubendah

RoyalT

Ohio

3.58/5  rDev -16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance – This one poured a nice, clear orangish-brown with a huge, puffy, retentive head.

Smell – The sharp, East Coast hop profile seems to have a bit of pine. This was a welcome surprise. I can pick up some light grain as well but clearly this is a hop-dominated APA.

Taste – The hops came out big at the taste but did not show a lot of depth, leaving this flavor profile a bit unbalanced. The malts were light and overmatched.

Mouthfeel – This one was somewhere between light and medium-bodied and didn’t hold up well to the big hops, but the bitterness was just wonderfully done.

Drinkability – This is a light, easy-drinking APA that I thought could have used a bit more depth.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2005 22:41:15 | More by RoyalT

largadeer

California

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Brilliantly clear amber with a dense head of white that leaves behind thick sheets of lace.

Smell: Loaded with citrus and pine, a hint of fresh herbs and the slightest bready malt foundation linger beneath.

Taste & mouthfeel: This is a pale ale? Dry and ultra-hoppy, this drinks more like an American IPA. Oily hops present flavors of grapefruit and lemon peel that segue into a resiny bitter finish. Malts are subdued and provide little more than a foundation for the hops - I wouldn't call this balanced, but it's delicious.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2008 03:54:37 | More by largadeer

avalon07

South Carolina

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

A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a copper color and a slightly hazy consistency. There was an inch of foamy, fairly long-lasting head. Good lacing.

S: A sweet, hoppy smell, with traces of caramel and malt as well.

T: Tasted primarily of hops, with a nice citrusy backbone and tinges of caramel, malt and biscuity flavors. Much hoppier than most APAs, but it doesn't matter because this beer tastes so good.

M: A well-carbonated beer with a silky smooth finish. Light- to medium-bodied.

O: A thorough enjoyable, well made beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2011 13:10:57 | More by avalon07

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a clean copper color with a white head. In the the aroma, big citrus/ grapefruity hops. In the taste, sweet, grapefruity hops and a nice balanceing maltiness. A small bite and medium mouthfeel, with a citrus/ grapefruity hops in the aftertaste. Big hops and mellow for a pale, easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

08-30-2008 15:49:23 | More by OWSLEY069

gford217

Georgia

4.58/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle courtesy of sativen poured into a pint glass.

A: Pours a clear deep copper with a small bubbly head that dissipates quickly leaving minimal lacing. A few bubbles sit out on the top for the duration of the session.

S: A big floral, citrus hoppy aroma dominated by grapefruit and pine. Nice sweet malty aroma in the background to balance this out.

T: Just as in the smell, the taste is dominated by the huge floral and citrus hops - orange, grapefruit, pine, etc. Despite the big hop profile, the balance in the taste is provide by the subtle sweet malts that take over after the initial hop blast.

M: Medium bodied, creamy with a perfect moderate carbonation that just tickled the tongue. Not too sticky but definitely syrupy sweet with the perfect hop bitterness contrast.

D: This would be a staple in my fridge if I had access to it. It is an extremely drinkable APA and I could drink a few of these in a sitting. Highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2008 03:33:25 | More by gford217

scruffwhor

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this beer numerous times, both bottle and tap. I decided now is the time to let you all know how I feel about this beer.

Appearance- Good two finger head that drys to a thick foam in my impy pint glass. No bubbling, but some standard, English, lacing. Great, slightly hazy, deep amber, tan hue. A little sediment is noticeable too.

Smell- Smells like a hop Christmas tree. Citrusy, resiny hops burst into my nostrils with hints of pine and holly. Awesome.

Taste- Greeted with the normal citrusd peel, but more emphasis on grapfruit zest and some malts. Bread and hop water, yeah. Could only taste some very faint pine at the back of the throat.

Mouthfeel- A little dry but still very cleansing with its normal astringency.

A beer that will always have a place in my fridge. Abd you should make room in yours.

Bow down to the King of Kings.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2006 02:57:47 | More by scruffwhor

TheLongBeachBum

California

4.38/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

During a recent Beer tasting held in my Apartment I was not too impressed with this offering. In the slightly less noisy and more laid back surroundings of my own company tonight, and another 355ml Bottle all to myself – I have changed my opinion somewhat.

The 12 fl.oz. bottle label is quite intriguing, a big fat green dude with green hop-vine hair and a gold crown with the letter ‘A’ on it, appears to sprinkling his own hoppy dandruff into a pint glass full of beer. Looks like a cross between Don King, a Buddha and the ‘Green Man’ of Southern English legend.

It pours with a reasonable head at first but it almost immediately subsided to a thin white halo head that was stretched over the top of the beer with only a handful of bubbles floating on the surface. The body of the beer is a gorgeous deep clear amber color that shines with a deep copper orange brilliance when back-lit.

Aromas are slightly acidic, citric, lemony and very hoppy. Fresh hops abound in the back of the nose, whilst the tantalizing pull of hummulus lupulus will certainly tease and entice hop-heads.

The tastes are quite superb, fresh green acerbic hoppy skid-marks are laid on the tongue, and it will take more than Billy Mays and his bloody annoying super-sized OxyClean, or miracle Orange spray, to get rid of these stains. The hop-bitterness is beautifully balanced amidst the multi-layered citric floral strata’s. Talking of Billy Mays, this beer did appear to have a slight fruity end, I got an orangey taste set amidst a feint malt finish, which I enjoyed. Bitterness still lingers in the long finish. My hoppy belches are quite tasty after this offering. How impolite, yet incredibly self-rewarding it is to burp aloud and taste ones own belches? – My Mother would slap me hard for these bad manners if she was here. LOL, Awesome.

If this is the Pale Ale from Alpha King – I would dearly love to try their I.P.A!!!!

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2003 22:41:33 | More by TheLongBeachBum

ZAP

Minnesota

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

Re-review....the old review noted shit floating around in it..this is fresher...and better...

One of the better Pale Ale's I've had...great citrus nose...grapefruit, oranges, mangos, pineapples...taste has that juicy fruit cocktail hoppiness but also a great sweet malt balance....caramel...full bodied for a pale ale and smooth..

Easy driinking top notch pale ale that lives up to its reputation....

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2005 04:14:12 | More by ZAP

jrallen34

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I drank this from the bottle into a chalice.

The beer poured amber in color with a weak small white head and poor lacing.

It smells hoppy with citrus and spice, but the hops are a sweer smelling hops.

This is an IPA at its core but incedibly drinkable. Its sweet but hoppy and bitter.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2009 18:40:31 | More by jrallen34

dirtylou

Washington

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

6-pack purchased on sale at City-Wide Liquors, $5.99

appearance: light-medium amber with thin white head, with slight lacing present

smell: Citrus, floral, slight pine flavors, very hoppy

taste: Extremely hoppy, alcohol well hidden, arrangement of citrus flavors. As many have mentioned, strong resemblance to the IPA style.

mouthfeel: Again, very hoppy. Refreshing, powerful, yet crisp.

drinkability: I typically can't drink more than 2 or 3 of extremely hoppy beers, just a personal thing. Goes down easy and leaves you thirsting for more.

A very fine beer available at a reasonable price, especially compared to some other Three Floyd's offerings. If this is going to be considerd and APA, its my favorite of the style.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2005 02:39:19 | More by dirtylou

Bitterbill

Wyoming

4.7/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from 12 oz bottle(room temp) a ruby red with a medium sized head of foam that dissipated slowly. Lots of lacing.

The smell is a bit on the light side but I note some citrus tones from the hops.

The first sip is so darn tasty! Hop bitterness is there and it's offset by an ample dose of malty sweetness making for a nicely balanced flavour that is a real delight. Subsequent sips caress my palate even more with the finish being as good as I've ever had in any beer. Man, the drinkability of this APA is oustanding!

Bottom line: Alpha King Pale Ale, in my book, is *the* APA that all others should be judged by. Simply fantastic!

My thanks to Bditty 187!!!

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2006 17:17:42 | More by Bitterbill

cokes

Wisconsin

4.45/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

One of the elite American Pale Ales (IPAs). Pours and amberish pale orange with a nice head. Hazy profile, which I enjoy greatly. The yeast adds immeasurable to the beer and smooths out the mix. Big time citrus hops profile, all full of grapefruit oil and resin. Caramelized, biscuity malt balances the brew out nicely, but not completely. This is absolutely a hop bomb. Alcohol content is there, but blended well with the massive hop flavors. Mouthfeel is full, but a bit greasy and oily.
A great refreshing brew, but one that I could drink whenever, wherever.
Certainly smokes more well-known APA examples like Sierra Nevada. Pick some up...you will not be disappointed.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2002 01:37:04 | More by cokes