Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale - SweetWater Brewing Company

kshizzle101

Washington

3.7/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

On tap in ATL airport

A - dark yellow/golden. small white head and little lacing

S - citrus hops, malty backbone with some yeast component coming through as well

T - follows the nose

M - medium bodied. but over carbed i think

Overall - decent, but nothing spectacular here

Serving type: on-tap

05-10-2013 23:44:19 | More by kshizzle101

zac16125

South Carolina

2.93/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

On tap into pint glass

A: copper in color, translucent, 1/2 finger of head which quickly dissipates to nothing, leaves effectively no lacing

S: very mild aroma, some hop spice and malt sweetness, not a lot going on here

T: again pretty mild. Caramel and pale malts, faint citrus with some lemon notes, some spicy rye like notes, very little hop characters

M/D: lighter body, carbonation on the heavier side, moderate drink ability

O: pretty disappointing, not sure if this an old keg or what but there are almost no hop characters in this one. It's not a bad beer, but its no better than average. That being said I find myself drinking this fairly often as its often times the one craft beer among an otherwise B/M/C lineup at many restaurants / bars here in the south east

Serving type: on-tap

05-06-2013 00:00:11 | More by zac16125

BrianJohnson

South Carolina

4.16/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: nice golden color, hazy in a good way, white one-finger head
Smell: Grass, bread, slight citrusy hops smell
Taste: Warmth of bread, biscuit, with a slight hops overtone
Mouthfeel: Very clean, crisp, and not heavy at all
Overall: I really enjoy this beer. Very summery, but could be enjoyed in the fall. I wouldn't pick this beer for a cold winter's day by the fireplace, but definitely an enjoyable brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2013 23:51:20 | More by BrianJohnson

tut2528

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: pours a nice golden color that is murky, but does have some transparency. it creates a nice a nice 1-2 fingers worth of head formation with rather decent lacing. head is slightly off white in color

S: nice crispy bready/biscuit right up front with a nice malt backbone and subtle hops lying in the background. i also pick up on a just a slight touch of orange peel. i find the balance quite enjoyable.

T: similar to the nose... biscuits, touch of graininess, slight bitterness from the hops, and a nice citrus note to complement the flavors. not overly complex, but decently well balanced. slight creaminess in the finish

M: medium bodied brew (a bit thicker than I was expecting). leaves a nice dryness on the palate along with some bitter hops.

O: i think this beer is highly sessionable and quite nice to be honest. as previously mentioned, its not overly complex and has a nice flavor profile.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2013 20:47:15 | More by tut2528

joefuzz

New York

3.63/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Gift from BA grizzlyadam

Pours hazy gold with a small white head. Smell faintly of hops and some biscuit malt. Tastes is fairly hoppy for a session pale ale and a crisp finish. Mouthfeel and carbonation are just about perfect for a session beer. Overall amazing session beer, if this were avaliable in my area I would drink it non stop from april until october.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2013 22:58:43 | More by joefuzz

tomgeorgia

Georgia

4.25/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I just really love this beer. Like an old friend, 420 never fails to please. An excellent example of a well rounded, well balanced pale ale. Great year round, just enough hops to make it different with a great balance. Wonderful color, great pairing with burgers or ribs.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 14:55:37 | More by tomgeorgia

Madisonian

Georgia

4.43/5  rDev +20.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

I've been enjoying this brew since moving down South last Fall, but up until this point only in bottles. Got tired of paying an average of $9.00 for a six-pack so I made the investment and looked into acquiring a kegerator.

Picked up a 1/6 barrel yesterday. Phenomenal. I was hesitant to commit to a beer that I would be drinking on-tap for a few months, but I made the right choice. After having a Sweetwater 420 in a bottle the day before I picked up the keg, I can honestly say there is a substantial taste difference. Just an overall impression of a fresher taste. Bottles were fine, but the keg is much better (and more cost-effective if you enjoy this beer regularly).

Excellent head when poured correctly. What I love about this beer is its subtle uniqueness. Once the liquid hits your lips it tells you that its better than your average brew and its mouthfeel says "hey, I'm very drinkable." Don't get me wrong, I love all kinds of beers but its a special thing when you find something that reminds you of an old friend.

I've been looking for an "everyday" craft brew for quite a while and so far Sweetwater 420 fits the bill.

Serving type: on-tap

03-16-2013 22:02:09 | More by Madisonian

tone77

Pennsylvania

4.06/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap into a pint glass. Has a deep golden color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell has lots of malts, a youch of hops. Taste is malty, caramel, some hops, well balanced and very easy drinking. Enjoyable. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a quality beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-11-2013 22:03:22 | More by tone77

kangarooAdam59

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Thanx Damian74Shensky:

Best if enjoyed by 04/07/2013:

A: pale golden body with a half finger white foamy head that leaves some nice foamy white spider-web lacing in its wake, some carbonation is seen rising

S: strong pale malts, subdued hops

T: mainly a bland sort of sweet through previously mentioned flavors

M: light to medium, slightly sessionable, some carbonation slightly felt, sweet aftertaste, no finish

O: ah, the extra pale ale style (reminds me of Baxter's Pamola, High and Mighty's XPA and Berkshire's Steel Rail a bit), extra pale ale - not really a style just yet or at least not that I know of, still good as an American Pale Ale, and light enough to have with food, I would have this XPA again

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2013 01:13:33 | More by kangarooAdam59

silverking

Florida

3.79/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75

A- Pours a clear light amber with a white head. Head retention is minimal, but lacing is nice while it lasts.

S- Faintly hoppy with some bready malt in the background.

T- Malty with a slight citrus tang. The finish is mildy bitter, revealing slight notes of grapefruit rind.

M- The mouthfeel is light, and it almost feels oily. Carbonation is moderate and crisp.

O- I don't understand all of the hype behind this one. It's good, not great.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2013 23:42:56 | More by silverking

Immortale25

Florida

4.11/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a Florida Beer Co. tapered glass. Label says Best if Enjoyed by: 04/04/13

A- Pours a dark golden color with a 1/2 inch off-white head that retains well before becoming a thin ring around the edge of the glass and a mostly full sheet of surface foam. Semi-resilient lacing leaves a thick ring behind on the glass.

S- Crisp, mildly hoppy aroma with some faint bready malt. Somewhat sweet smelling soft caramel.

T- A well-balanced pale ale with some pleasant bread-like malt sandwiched in between some piney hops. Alcohol is light and unobtrusive. Very drinkable.

M- Smooth and slightly sharp from the hops. Medium carbonation and a solid body for the style.

O- Spot-on for the style and super sessionable. If you want flavorful yet drinkable beer, go for some Sweetwater. I wish they had wider distribution so I could get it all the time.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2013 23:56:16 | More by Immortale25

obxchillin

4.45/5  rDev +21.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

What I love about this beer is the drinkability. Light and flavorful,this beer is perfect any time of the year but especially a hot day on the beach in the summer. Leaves a small pale ale taste in your mouth. The smell isn't strong but has a good flavor over all. Overall one of my favorite beers around.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 00:53:59 | More by obxchillin

guityler83

Wisconsin

3.66/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Straw yellow color with a finger of pillowy white on top. In the frosted pint glass it was served it was slighly hazy (after whipping of the frost). Dense lacing with each sip.

S: Very faint hop aroma, not much else

T: A grainy/husky malt taste. Strong bitterness and moderate piney hop taste. lager yeast like charector. very sessionable.

M: Clean and dry

O: After having a couple of these in a bar in southern Georgia I had to look up the style. I was certain it was a pisner or a czech pilz, a lager of some kind. Clearly i was wrong. if you like GI honkers ale or SA Boston Lager this has a very similar vibe, but with a bit more hop bitterness.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2013 02:44:09 | More by guityler83

sammygt

Georgia

4.05/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is a great drinking IPA. It is not a super hoppy monster, but that is not what it is supposed to be. i think it fills the niche of a very drinkable Pale Ale very well. its got a good level of citrus and carbonation, its not too heavy on the palate, and you can just keep on drinking it. overall a good beer, perfect for anything from tailgating to a night out.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 17:06:37 | More by sammygt

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

4.1/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Initial head was somewhere around an inch after an aggressive pour. body is like a light lager, crystal clear light straw yellow, Powdery white big bubbled head floating on top.

Smell is bitter malt. Spruce and pine come to the forefront. Light bodied malt only slightly comes out. The main aroma is that bitter spruce/pine.

This thing is crazy drinkable. Light slick malt kind of reminds me of a British pale. No real bitterness at all, and I like it. Its totally different than hoppy pales, its a smooth malty pale that I actually really enjoy.

I enjoy this thing, the mouthfeel is slick and just crazy drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2013 00:52:25 | More by VncentLIFE

harrymel

Washington

2.45/5  rDev -33.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Best by 13MAR13

Light grainy gold with a solid quilt of fine white foam. Smells faint - grain, sweet malts, some corn and a little grassy (dried grass). Taste is corn, resin, a little bitterness, really tastes cheap; almost reminds me of corn pops cereal. Medium bodied with moderate carb and a semi dry finish. Meh.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2013 05:38:43 | More by harrymel

chickenflea

Florida

3.03/5  rDev -17.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Ap: The pour is clear and burnt orange in color with a small fluffy white head. S: The nose is somewhat floral with a light citrus component. Very light. T: The hop profile is almost all floral. Medium long finish that may be the most satisfying component of each sip. M: The body is on the light end of medium with a crisp and plentiful carbonation. O: This is one of my least favorite styles. However, the floral hops and the lightly sweet taste provide a refreshing brew.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2013 23:48:07 | More by chickenflea

barczar

Kentucky

3.4/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Two months past the best by date.

Pours a slightly hazy deep golden color with copper highlights and a frothy one inch cream head that dissipates relatively quickly, leaving spotty lacing.

Grainy malt, mango, tart orange and a touch of cut grass form the aroma.

Flavor is initially subtle. Fairly sweet, lightly bready backbone has little malt character whatsoever. Tart citrus flavors underlie the weak malt, and the finish is a touch resiny and fairly bitter.

Body is worty and a bit full, with moderate carbonation. The stale malt character gives the impression of lower carbonation. Slightly astringent.

Fairly disappointing in both malt and hop presence. Pretty flat flavor.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2013 05:12:43 | More by barczar

FungusBrewer

Illinois

4/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Fours across the boards. Sweet Water Extra Pale Ale has all the qualities of a perfect session beer, but leaves you fishing for that acme note to greatness.

Taste: Floral sweetness with a lazy bitterness coming on soft and sticking around comfortably. Almost a tad too light for a "extra pale ale" in my opinion. In comparison Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is much more astringent and earthy. 420 is sweet, remarkably sweet and palatable. No hot alcohol bite here. Session, session, session-in need of a new six pack.

Aroma: Effervescent hops with dried sugar cane.

Appearance/Mouth-Feel: Honey-comb yellow with moderate lacing. Gentle carbonation suiting the style perfect.

Overall, 420 seems light on the hops and heavy on the sweets. This isn't a bad thing by any means, as the beer proves to be justly drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2013 06:36:46 | More by FungusBrewer

siege06nd

Virginia

3.4/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Always a pleasure to enjoy a beer from the brewery that began my love affair with craft beer.

A. Pours a very clear golden copper color with about two and a half fingers of dense, foamy head. Head slowly sifts down to a finger and there it lingers. Lacing is soapy and sticky, leaving its legs all down the glass. Beautiful.

S. Grainy, grassy with a mild hop presence. Very earthy and musty. The strength of the bouquet is relatively mild, however. Almost has a skunkiness to it. It is a fresh bottle, though, pulled out of the fridge at Hop City, so I would be surprised if it were bad.

T. Corn, light pine resin, earth, grain. Tastes a bit like an adjunct, the malt bill is grainy and sweet. High and dry finish from some light hop bitterness. Not bad.

M. Highly carbed and crisp. The bitterness is one note and rides throughout the beer. Not the most rounded pale I have had.

O. A light, crisp, pale with dry bitterness. This in no way resembles the hop forward pale ales that have emerged in recent years such as Zombie Dust and Perpetual. An adjunct-like malt bill and one dimensional hop presence make this a classic pale. Which doesnt make it bad. Just not particularly impressive. I would say this is the least enjoyable of the Sweetwater year rounds for me.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 23:58:26 | More by siege06nd

match1112

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

a: light copper colored body, very translucent, short off white head leaves plenty of lacing.

s: light citrus hops, bread, grass

t: floral citrus hops up front, turns to a bready malt body with some earthyness on the finish.

m: good carbonation, medium body, short dry finish.

o: pretty mellow all around, nothing bad to say, it just doesn't jump out at me as one of the better apa's i've had.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 23:32:07 | More by match1112

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.68/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a crystal clear medium yellow in color with a couple of hints of orange and light amounts of visible carbonation. The beer has a two finger tall creamy off-white head that slowly reduces to a thick film covering the entire surface of the beer with a thick ring at the edges of the glass. Significant amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Light to moderate aromas of citrus hops (just a touch of orange and lemon) along with some light biscuit malts.

T: The overall flavor is quite similar to the smell, it starts out with light amounts of biscuit malts with a touch of caramel which are quickly overtaken by the citrus hops, which are still somewhat light in flavor of orange and lemon.

M: Slightly heavier than light bodied with light to moderate amounts of carbonation. Somewhat crisp.

O: Very easy to drink and enjoyable with the lighter body, lower ABV, and well balanced flavors (between the

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 01:34:55 | More by dbrauneis

Shaw

Florida

4.03/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A new arrival in Florida.

Pours a nice gold in color with a shirt white head.

Citrus hop aroma.

As a hophead who's a big IPA fan, I like that this is bitter and hoppy, but not to the degree of an IPA. Light bready flavors attempt to provide balance to metallic hop flavors. That's not a criticism.

Solid body.

This is a rare example where I prefer the brewery's pale ale to its IPA. I can see why this beer has its good reputation.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 03:46:49 | More by Shaw

Callaghan

Georgia

3.53/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This beer was poured from a bottle (dated 1/20/12) into a pint glass. It pours with a two finger head, slightly off white, a little soapy. After a few minutes, it dies down a little, but leaves great lacing around the top of the 1/4 of the glass. Beautiful.

The smell is a little weak. Citrus and pine are dominant, but not much else comes through. A slight floral scent lays underneath. It smells nice, but nothing special.

Pine as a flavor? Centennial hops, a sticky, chewy biscuit flavor,. A hint of sweetness and bitterness, like the rind of a citrus fruit...grapefruit, maybe? Then the hit of alcohol mixes very well. It's not powerful, but it makes a presence, and it's nice.

The carbonation is a welcome addition to the overall experience. It sits on the tongue long enough to enjoy, but doesn't wear out it's welcome. Not too thin, not too thick, just right. This makes an extremely drinkable beer. Nothing is too strong, yet has plenty of taste in every swig.

Overall, this is a good beer, a solid, bring it to a party - beer. Not a go to at the liquor store, but around Atlanta, when I go out to eat, I get it on a regular basis. It is easy to throw back a whole 6-pak, so it makes a great session beer.

I must admit, on tap, it is slight better. Fresher all around. And just as easy to drink at a bar as it is at home.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 04:03:44 | More by Callaghan

Flounder57

Massachusetts

3.55/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle was poured into a pint glass.

Appearance: This beer poured a minimal head that has reduced to a thin layer. It is a pale orange color with a slight haze to it and a few bubbles coming up through the glass.

Smell: Slight citrus aromas and slight caramel and bready malts.

Taste: citrus is a little more noticeable, but a light taste of hops here. Sweetness and chewiness from the malts are nice.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, medium bodied, low to medium carbonation, and easy to drink.

Overall: A nice offering from Atlanta, but Terrapin's pale ale is more enjoyable. It was good to have tried another brew from this Southern brewery.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 21:14:05 | More by Flounder57