Pale Dog - Hops & Grain

AlCaponeJunior

Texas

3.91/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Nice looking, clear and reddish-tan with a pretty good head and some flecks of lace.

Aroma is nice too, good and hoppy, a little fruity, pine and resin.

Tastes nice, hops are plentiful, with resinous hop oils noted, some citrus and pine, plus an amply malty base with a sweet note to make this a full but quite drinkable pale ale.

Body is medium, carbonation is medium, overall it's a pretty strong tasting, strong finishing pale ale, giving the illusion of being a bigger beer than it really is.

I like it. I took a chance on a six pack and I will certainly enjoy the other five. Would buy again.

Serving type: can

04-23-2013 19:34:38 | More by AlCaponeJunior

paperbackfoster

Missouri

3.99/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured from the (rather attractive) can into a pint glass.

I haven't written a review for a while, but this beer made me get up and say something.

This pale ale pours an opaque, bright copper, with unfiltered specks here and there. A small head recedes to a decent cloud. Minimal lacing.

Smells of fruit rind and resin, with some piney notes. Welcoming but subdued.

It's the taste that has me running to review this. I pick up an undeniable smoked cherrywood flavor in this - light on the smoke, heavy on the cherry. The sweet note is strange but welcome, in terms of the style. The bitterness that backs it up is herbal, almost Campari-like. These high notes in an otherwise average pale ale makes it extremely memorable.

Flavor is full, not as crisp as some pale ales. Juicy, with a lingering carbonation. Very pleasant.

I purchased this in a mix-six, toying around with cans. I didn't expect to get quite so blown away. It's not a genre-defying beer, but it's a great take on the style.

Serving type: can

04-23-2013 00:49:42 | More by paperbackfoster

champ103

Texas

3.69/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

A: Pours a slightly hazy orange color. A two finger white head forms and sticks around for a minute. Sticky lace is left behind.
S: Big juicy, and piny hops up front. Lingering resiny aromas. Maybe some faint biscuit malt aromas in the background. Very nice.
T: The same juicy and hoppy flavor. Though not as big as the nose. Light biscuit malt. I like it, and typically like more subtle hops. Though I think this would benefit from being a bit brighter because there is not much malt flavor for substance. Still enjoyable.
M/D: A medium body. Very dry, though a bit to thin for my tastes. I wish it was more crisp. Very easy to drink. A great everyday, no frills drinker.

I do like this, and the six pack will be gone in no time. I will be glad to quaff more, if it becomes available in the Houston area. Another enjoyable option from Hops & Grain.

Serving type: can

03-05-2013 02:14:44 | More by champ103

brentk56

North Carolina

4.31/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: Pours from the can bringing a clear amber with a reasonable head that leaves a shard or two of lacing behind

Smell: Citrus galore, with some tropical fruit undertones (grapfruit and a hint of pineapple)

Taste: A hint of biscuity malt underpins the bitter hop flavors (citrusy grapefruit and a hint of pineapple ) that build, in the middle and linger through the finish

Mouthfeel: Medium body with crisp carbonation

Overall: A really nice APA that could easily be mistaken for an IPA

Thanks, Phoenix2443, for the opportunity

Serving type: can

02-10-2013 18:47:49 | More by brentk56

HardTarget

Texas

4.1/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Clear amber glass holds a white head that gives up tidemarks of lace.

Smell: So citric and fresh, like flowers! Lightly pine, with a candy sweetness. Candied orange peels, oh, this is nice.

Taste: Punchy hops for a Pale, doesn't go crazy but full hop flavor with a light tea finish. Malt base is firm but slender, but more than supports the hoppy Juicy Fruit yum.

Mouthfeel: Medium light body manages a bit of chew. Light to medium carbonation keeps it lively. A little slick in the finish, oily.

Overall: Wow. Lots of great hop flavor for a Pale, almost want to put this in the XPA category, and I like it! Great citric west coast hop profile in a reasonably drinkable package. Too heavy for a session but one or two on a hot Texas day hits the spot.

Great early beers from H&G, keep them coming!

Serving type: can

01-24-2013 03:57:22 | More by HardTarget

Dusty6467

Texas

3.9/5  rDev +1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: I had to drink it from a can so I couldn't tell you how the appearance is, however the small portion that accumulates on the ridge of the can, it looks to be at least average

S: very floral hoppy smell somewhat sweet Carmel, smells great

T: just like it smells, Carmel malt that finishes dry an and good amount of grapefruit hop bitterness that pulls it all together. Very good taste

M: decent amount of carbonation, light but full flavor, very sessionable

O: this is a great pale ale that does not disappoint. It's on par or even better than a lot of pricier crafts pales out there. Pick it up if you see it!

Serving type: can

01-06-2013 20:13:24 | More by Dusty6467

ehammond1

California

3.43/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Can (2012)

Acquired via trade
Thanks, xpimptastikx!

Nearly clear dark orange and amber with a moderately sized off-white head. Leaves the head messy with thick streams of bubbly lace down the glass. Very pretty pale ale.

The nose is decidedly better than the aroma. Toasted biscuits, earth, mild citrus, and some dulled caramel combine nicely. This reminds me of many well-made, yet straightforward American style pale ales.

The flavor isn't quite as pleasant as the aroma, with a very high level of bitterness and just a touch of an onion or garlic character taking away from the otherwise pleasant biscuit, earth, mild citrus, and grapefruit character.

Medium bodied with moderate-high carbonation. Very nice.

Decent, but being surrounding by the best hoppy beers in the world, this one just doesn't quite stand up. Still very glad to have had the opportunity to try it, however!

Serving type: can

12-20-2012 01:12:29 | More by ehammond1

steelscarab

California

3.83/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from can.

Appearance: Pours with a decent head and residual lacing. Coppery and hazy. Appears promising.

Smell: Can immediately smell strong citrus notes. Good hop aroma. It's strong smelling; easy to smell just from pouring it.

Taste: Lots of citrus in the beginning. The taste is definitely more hops orientated but there is a subtle malt flavor too. The hop flavor lingers and turns into a smooth, gentle hop finish afterwards. Not overly bitter or biting. Nice residual taste. I'd like more variation in the hops but overall it's good.

Mouth: Good mouthfeel. It is just in the middle as far as thickness is concerned. It lingers on the tongue for a while, though not in a sticky or negative way. Not terribly thick but that seems right for a pale ale.

Drinkability: High. It's not too thick or heavy so I can see myself drinking a few without feeling too full. It tastes slightly more hoppy than a totally balanced pale ale, but I don't mind one bit. Not terribly expensive, tastes good, and is medium in thickness; leads to a very drinkable ale.

Serving type: can

12-03-2012 02:45:28 | More by steelscarab

LXIXME

New Mexico

4.85/5  rDev +25.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A big light tan head slowly settles into a nice lacing with a small biscuity mound in the middle of the glass. This orangeish caramel honey colored pale ale seems to be well carbonated and not really clear, sort of lightly filled with small suspended particles giving it a semi cloudy look.

Citrus hops dominate the aroma with maybe orange peels sticking out the most.

A nice citrus hops with some light pine notes overwhelming just about anything else that is trying to make it's presence known in the taste of this well done beer.

A slight bitter edge with some lingering hops with a dry aftertaste on this medium bodied Austin based beer.

I really liked this pale ale, it's as if someone asked me what kind of beer do you like, and I would have answered "a nice citrus hops style beer that isn't to overbearing or expensive".
And they handed be this, and my day is thus completed, except for an afternoon of sittin' back and downing quite a few cold ones.

Serving type: can

11-27-2012 21:48:31 | More by LXIXME

genitempo

Texas

4/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - From can to glass, such a beautiful pour. Thick, golden flair from the body, which fogs up as the sediment from the can's foundation makes it's way into the glass, still projecting great color for an APA. Rocky caps with foamy, rough lace.

S - Not overly bright, but subtly floral, a bit toasty.

T - Medium push from the hops, with a tolerable bitterness, hiding the booze. The aftertaste is a bit tightly wound.

MF - A little rough. The carbonation and the booze battle on the tongue, causing me to take smaller sips to enjoy the flavor.

O -Currently, Hops & Grain cans only two beers (this, being one of them.) Both, in my opinion, are very worthy of canning, from such a young brewery. Definitely a recommendable beer to travelers of central Texas.

Serving type: can

11-15-2012 06:06:07 | More by genitempo

EgadBananas

Louisiana

3.75/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a dark amber color, with a fluffy off-white head. Very puffy, but didn't stick around long, dissipated to a froth. Aroma was lightly sweet, with some caramel and nuttiness, and some slight resinous hop notes. Had a good bitterness to it, finishing clean with a tinge of sweetness. It has a light to medium, creamy body to it. Nice refreshing pale.

Serving type: can

08-23-2012 00:30:01 | More by EgadBananas

lnashsig

Texas

4/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

#BOTG 109!

Thanks to Will (Canadianghetto) for passing this can along to me from Austin. These guys are a new kid on the block and I've been interested in trying them out. Unfortunately, only available in Austin at this point. Poured from can to New Belgium tulip. Pours a nice darker orange/amber color, nice head and some retention. Pretty transparent. Smell- lemon/orange peel floral and graham cracker. Taste- really nice citrus tangy blast followed by a decent malt sweetness. lemon/lime/orange peel citrus hop profile. This is super drinkable, well done. I'd welcome it in cans available in Houston. And, come to think of it, we don't have many Texas made Pale Ales.

Serving type: can

08-07-2012 02:07:03 | More by lnashsig

obrike

Texas

3.9/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was brought over as a gift during a weekend get together. Excited to try another local brew!

Dug the look on this one in my pint glass. A crisp-clear copper pour with a sudsy head. Left a good amount of streaky lace throughout.

Gettting a sweet, flowery hop scent...a bit of citrus mixed in as well. Certainly a sugary malt aroma as well. Nice.

Taste follows, albeit just a bit mellow. I did like the resiny, juicy feel of this though. Coats the mouth well.

I think these guys are onto something good with the Pale Dog. Thumbs up for another good APA in cans! This drinks well and might be eaiser to handle than SNPA for folks wanting to dip into craft beer. I can't wait to try more Hops and Grains stuff.

Serving type: can

08-01-2012 22:43:12 | More by obrike

Mora2000

Texas

3.18/5  rDev -17.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at the Whip In.

The beer pours an orange color with a white head. The aroma has a ton of orange citrus notes, with a little bit of biscuit malt. The flavor is similar at first, but there are also some odd notes. I get some orange notes, but there is also a dirty character which makes the beer a bit difficult to drink. There is a decent amount of bitterness. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.

Serving type: on-tap

07-23-2012 05:44:15 | More by Mora2000

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Received this as an extra in a trade. Poured into my Duvel tulip.

A - Poured an impressively clear light copper hue with a nice almost 3 finger head that slumped down to an almost one finger thick, creamy blanket.

S - Light piney hops and some sweet malts. Shockingly appealing.

T - Taste isnt bad. A bit on the malty side for my liking. The hops are slightly older perhaps, not quite as fresh as the nose. Still not too bad though.

M - Mouthfeel is solid too, nice carbonation, again a bit too sweet for me. Nice bitter finish.

O - Overall I'm relatively shocked at this beer. So far I think this is my favourite non Jester King beer from Texas.

Serving type: can

07-19-2012 19:18:57 | More by rudzud

inlimbo77

Delaware

3.83/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz can. No canning information available. Poured into a white wine glass.

A: Pours a mildly hazy, yellowy, amber color. Full finger of white fluffy head. It's nicely carbonated.

S: I get a good amount of fruity and piney hop aromas. Actually pretty surprised that it smells this nice. I get a little light malt bill behind it.

T: Pretty nice little sip here. I get some nice fruity hops on the tip of the tongue. Then its met in the middle of the mouth by just the right amount of malts to help balance the sip. A dry close here too.

M: It's light leading to medium bodied. Not quite an IPA.

Serving type: can

05-14-2012 17:54:19 | More by inlimbo77

elNopalero

Texas

4.1/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Their flagship pale ale is a solid contender, one that hits the right notes with pizzazz. Pours a clear golden color. Light, hoppy aroma on the grassy side. Same grassy flavor profile with a long dry finish. The kind of pale ale I enjoy. This dog’s a keeper.

Updated March 2012
Apparently they revamped and revised their recipe. So it was worth revisiting this one.
On the latest/new version of the Pale Dog I noticed a much more pronounced honeyed sweetness, honeyed flavor and sweet finish. Grassy hop profile remains but there’s more of a sweet malt balancing this out. I can picture this one being an excellent candidate for cask conditioning.

Serving type: on-tap

02-09-2012 20:26:51 | More by elNopalero

omnigrits

Texas

4/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A. Pale amber bordering on yellow, with an off white head.

S. Sweet malts at first, some grain in the nose. A good dose of citrus.

T. The grapefruit hops come in straight away and then give way to some sweet maltiness. Really well balanced with neither overpowering the other. A pleasant bitterness in the finish. There are some tropical fruit flavours that lend a touch of sweet perfume to the beer.

M. Medium bodied with a nice carbonation.

O. A solid APA that's got it right in all the right places without going OTT. Very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2012 00:30:39 | More by omnigrits