Curve Ball Blonde Ale - Pyramid Breweries, Inc.

Murrhey

Montana

1.73/5  rDev -46.9%
look: 1.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1.5

Poured from a bomber into a pint glass. Reviewed live.

A- Two finger white head, kind of lazy looking carbonation. Decent retention, sticky lacing. Essentially clear, very light yellow. Exceptionally high clarity.

S- Grass, and light, kind of gross malts.

T- Super grassy, some lemon and malt flavors. Refreshing in the fact that it is basically water.

M- Tonic water. Fizzy but extremely light.

O- Too bad. Not a good beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2012 04:39:11 | More by Murrhey

Higravity

Michigan

1.75/5  rDev -46.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Pours nice pale color with lots of carbonation and a ok head. Smells grassy and citric and a touch off in the malt. The off-ness contiues as I sip through this, I think it might be slightly oxidized or have some metal in the water I don't like. I don't know I don't care for this one. I couldn't finish this before dinner so I dumped it and got something better.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2006 19:03:33 | More by Higravity

SamN

Colorado

2/5  rDev -38.7%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

A- Only slightly darker than your average macro. Other than that, identical to them. Lots of visible carbonation. Decent head, though. Zero lacing.

S- Not great. That Kölsch aroma doesn't do it for me; musty, slightly skunky and an off bittered aroma. At least it's a rich aroma.

T- Light tasting, hops forward. Not much to it. Some very modest fruitiness.

M- Less carbonation than I expected. Not bad, light but pretty solid.

D- No thanks, one half of these is more than enough. I don't think I'm a big Kölsch fan.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2010 04:53:44 | More by SamN

finepaws

North Carolina

2.13/5  rDev -34.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Poured a golden color with a small head, that dissapated quickly. Smelled like a wet dish rag. Very grassy. Tasted rancid. Like rotten lemons, and grass.
Mouthfeel was ok, average.
I was not impressed by this beer at all. Do people really like this? Not for my taste at all!

Serving type: on-tap

07-24-2004 05:26:23 | More by finepaws

RixBeer

Massachusetts

2.13/5  rDev -34.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

A- Piss yellow (sorry that's what it looks like). Light but fast moving carbonation. No Head, Slight Lacing and good sticking.

S- Strong spice and Herbal Notes.

T- Clean, Crisp, Spicey-almost tangy, Earthy and Grainy.

M- Tough to take a lot of this beer into your mouth because of the carbonation. Very light though.

D- Not really wanting another on this hot summer night.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2007 03:33:23 | More by RixBeer

maxpower

Missouri

2.23/5  rDev -31.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Cloudy golden color with a small white frothy head that doesn't last long. Bready and flowery aroma, has a light bready flavor with some lemon, it is light bodied with somewhat of a thin, yet crisp mouthfeel, finishes dry and clean, not all that great.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2004 13:39:24 | More by maxpower

spaceranger

Texas

2.25/5  rDev -31%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

I've seen Pyramid brews on the shelf for a long time but just never got around to trying any. This Curve Ball Ale appealed to me because: 1. It's summer and they describe it a "kolsch style" beer. 2. The bottle label and six pack graphics are pretty cool. 3. Some pretty good products come from the Western US so I thought this might be one of them.

I was wrong. This poured a very pale yellow with virtually no head. And what little it did have disappeared immediately. The smell was OK, sort of sweet and bread-like with malt and there is also some strong fruit aroma going on. But the taste is nothing like the smell. Very weak. Mine was almost flat with little carbonation. When it's hot outside I like a little bubble. It went down easy enough but left nothing behind. Nothing.

So, I regret that my first experience with Pyramid was so negative. Judging from the rest of the reviews on this brew here on the sight - no one else is too impressed either.

Maybe some of their other stuff is better but I'll pass on this boy...

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2006 23:45:28 | More by spaceranger

SSBrennan

District of Columbia

2.25/5  rDev -31%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Pours a medium gold with no head and small but present carbonation.

Smells of wet grain with some skunk.

Taste is light malt sweetness, a slightly earthy flavor but mostly grain.

The mouthfeel is light and clear.

Not refreshing enough to justify the lack of flavor.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2007 00:13:49 | More by SSBrennan

kaseydad

California

2.28/5  rDev -30.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

On tap at the local Pyramid.

A yellow straw color with almost no head at all. Nothing special to view.

A malty, grainy smell that sort of reminds me of skunky beer.

It does have a crisp taste with a rice type flavoring. Grainy as well with light carbonation. A very unpleasant aftertaste which lingers far too long.

I would be hard pressed to try this again.

One of my least favorites from Pyramid.

Serving type: on-tap

06-13-2009 16:10:23 | More by kaseydad

WVbeergeek

Ohio

2.33/5  rDev -28.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 1.5

New packaging relabels this old Pyramid offering a face lift. Their summer seasonal Kolsch is labeled as a blonde ale this time around, pours a brilliant golden body with a slight haze cast over it, bright white nicely carbonated head forms a dimpled cloud rising well above the edge of my glass. Chunky scattered lacing forms with each sip and as the head slowly dwindles down. Aroma has some mild citrus components with some cooked veggies and pale biscuit malt sweetness. A touch of herbal spicy hops and mineral water are there as well, let's see how it's tasting. A bit of harshness is present with mild grainy off flavors, the metallic edge seems to overshadow the rest of the flavors. Some nice sweetness with a kiss of citrus fruit are apparent but they become muddled within cooked veggies and that mineral rusty finish. Mouthfeel is thin but carbonation seems a bit unnatural and forced, where the metallic edge really weighs the palate down after just a few sips. Drinkability overall is pretty pour, I will reevaluate next year but so far the Fall seasonal beats the pants of this one.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2009 17:04:54 | More by WVbeergeek

klewis

Ohio

2.35/5  rDev -27.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 2

On-tap at the BrewKettle, Strongsville, OH - 4/11/07

A: Served in a slender pilsener glass, the beer poured a light golden color with little head or lacing.

S: Weak smell with indescriptive malt and yeast aromas.

T: Creamed corn with a bit of hops to balance. Not good.

M: Light-bodied and moderately carbonated. Good for the style.

D: Not good. Pass.

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2007 11:35:45 | More by klewis

HoustonTX

Texas

2.38/5  rDev -27%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 1.5

A - Bright yellow, no head what-so-ever. Ultra small amount of lacing.

S - Smell is slightly of roasted malt, mixed with slight florals, and a pickle aftertaste.

T -Taste is horrid, way too salty and bitter. No hops apparent, and balance is way off. Tastes acidic and unappealing.

M - Mouthfeel is close to the texture of sandpaper.

D - 4.80% and this tastes bad, real bad.

Overall, not exactly an enjoyable Kolsch, and one you should avoid.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2006 03:51:14 | More by HoustonTX

RJLarse

Washington

2.4/5  rDev -26.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

I picked up a six-pack of Curve Ball to taste review and enjoy. I poured this beer in to a pint tumbler.

Pours a gold color, and is clear. A bubbly white head dissipates quickly to a fizzy champagne-style head. The head produces almost no lacing on the glass.

The smell is fruity, with a scent of grain. Aroma of apples is present.

The taste is a little bland. There is a malt flavor, along with a mildly bitter hop flavor, and some sort of herbal notes (according to the label). I think it tastes a little like alfalfa. The flavors are reasonably well balanced, but understated.

Mouth feel is light, crisp and a little watery.

This is a drinkable beer, but frankly the flavor is underwhelming. I would prefer something a little more full-bodied. I wouldn’t mind having Curve Ball again, especially on a hot day, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2006 23:44:28 | More by RJLarse

rye726

Colorado

2.48/5  rDev -23.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

An orangish brown color and a middling tan head. The nose has pale grainy malts and some mild bittering hops. The taste is quite light with an herby hop presence over subtle barley. A light body has ample carbonation. Not a bad version of the style, just a bit on the light side.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2008 03:54:43 | More by rye726

beerthulhu

New Jersey

2.5/5  rDev -23.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

A: Pale pumpkin orange shows a mid-range of effervesce. The head is dirty white, a finger high, but quickly dissipates to a washy topping with only a speckled remains for lace.

S: Pale wheat and oranges, neutral yeast and wheat indications on the nose. Candy orange sweetness.

T: The flavor fizzy candy oranges and wheat, shallow flavor. A very safe bet not to offend with a small metallic ting.

M: The mouthful was a tad fizzy, light to medium body substance wise and overall a snooze fest.

O: Overall a curveball, if you consider this wide left of its intended style. Another boring beer from pyramid that you can easily see coming like a softpitch lob rather curve. Very generic, bland and becomes insignificant half way through. pass

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2012 23:00:22 | More by beerthulhu

BucannonXC5

California

2.55/5  rDev -21.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured from a 12-oz. bottle into a pilsner glass. Looks light gold with a clean feel, maybe a ¼-inch head. Smells just like a Kolsch beer and a little bit heavy and skunky. Also tasted similar to a Kolsch. Heavy on the carbonation with a weird aftertaste. Maybe copper? Tastes fresh and clean, would be great on a hot summer day or after a good workout. Kolsch styles are hit and miss for me and I’d say this might actually have been right in the middle. Probably wouldn’t have it a second time, though.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2011 06:11:39 | More by BucannonXC5

xhcadamx

Maine

2.58/5  rDev -20.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

A - brilliant yellow with a bubbly foamy head and no lacing.

S - malty sweet and some earthiness

T - Way too much sweetness from the malt! Comes across very cloying. The herbal and earthy qualities of the hops come through in the end but do little to help.

M - for the style thick and syrup and the shit ton of carbonation here doesn't help.

D - I do not like this beer and I love the Kolsch and Blonde styles. This missed the mark.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2009 00:57:12 | More by xhcadamx

jackndan

Illinois

2.6/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Pyramid Curve Ball: Seasonal/summer beer in the style of a Kolsch. The problem is the beer had an astringent aroma and taste that was not at all pleasant. Further, had a pure white head that disappeared for good within thirty seconds. The taste reminded me of grass, in a strange way. Not worth the bother.

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2002 19:03:30 | More by jackndan

FosterJM

California

2.63/5  rDev -19.3%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

423rd review on BA
Bottle to pint
22oz

App- Crisp yellows with a one and a half finger head. Little whisps of cling.

Smell- It's a very basic beer smell with some funky lager yeasts. Very bland and stings a bit.

Taste- It just didn't taste very good. This was bland and had a balance that was too yeasty and grainy.

Mouth- Light bodied with a high carb level. Left a weird taste. Little yeast and dish shop.

Drink- This was just did not taste good to me. Very bland and much too malty without a balance behind the other flavors.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2011 04:11:18 | More by FosterJM

BeerSox

Virginia

2.65/5  rDev -18.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

12oz bottle into... no, not a stange... a pint glass.

Ever so slightly hazy amber hue. A white fizzy head that doesn't last long settles to a thin cap.

A light sugary smell with hints of grape and lemon. A little bit of wet fur smell was detected.

Grainy malts with a little bit of light sweet fruit. Light bodied with good carbonation and a bit of a grainy finish. Somewhat of a cloying viney taste in the finish.

A bit watery with a sharp feel. I won't be revisiting this one.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2007 03:54:49 | More by BeerSox

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

2.65/5  rDev -18.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Tasted at the Lancaster brewing monthly get-together. Light yellow with bubbly head. Bit of head. Skunky aroma. Not at all a good kolsch, it's hard to nail this style. Acidic.A bit of spiciness. It's drinkable, if nothing better about. Not impressed.Bottle 6 months later just as mediocre.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2008 00:17:05 | More by northyorksammy

palffyfan

Massachusetts

2.7/5  rDev -17.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Appearance - Cloudy yellow with a good deal of carbonation. Nothing special.

Smell - Mild citrusy flavor, very lagery. Pretty incomprehensible for the most part.

Taste - Slightly sour aftertaste, with fruity flavors. It's as if someone squeezed a tangerine into my beer. Aside from that, not much on flavor.

Drinkability - This is too citrusy for my liking. Interesting nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2006 22:07:32 | More by palffyfan

Blupoet03

Illinois

2.73/5  rDev -16.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

This beer poured hazy, with a wheat color and a small fluffy head. The nose was tangy, with citrus, yeast, a bright crispness, and a funkyness that was probably the "spices" described on the label.

The taste was tang, not bitter and not sweet - pretty non-descript, overall. The spices did come through well.

It was rather drinkable and good in hot weather. Smooth and palette-cleansing.

It's not one that I'd go out of the way for, but my wife liked it. Worth a try if you like spiced beers. Also, I thought it was similar to American Wheats - so if you like those, try this. Maybe with a lemon.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2007 02:25:56 | More by Blupoet03

DavoleBomb

Ohio

2.73/5  rDev -16.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured into a pint glass.

2.5 A: Pale orange (lime if light is nearby). Below average head retention, no lacing.

2.5 S: Weak smelling. Straw and yeast.

3.0 T: Earthy (straw, grass), some spice, lemon. Weak again. This would be pretty good if the flavors were magnified 10x.

2.5 M: Tingly. Not very smooth. Malt and spice aftertaste.

2.5 D: I don't think I could drink a second one without becoming incredibly bored (though it is much more exciting than cheap ass macro shit and would make for a cheap session due to its favorable price).

I wasn't expecting a whole hell of a lot out of this beer as it only cost $1.35 (as part of a mixed six). Once again, this beer would be a good pick to get tipsy off of, but don't ever eat your dinner with it.

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2008 00:04:28 | More by DavoleBomb

N3rdM3t4l

Oregon

2.75/5  rDev -15.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Bomber into standard pint served fridge temp.

A: blonde, as expected. One finger of white head that reduced to a very pathetic splotchy cap and a sad little ring.

S:light malt with hints of pineapple. Not super complex but appealing. The crystal malts are evident in the nose.

T: a little hoppier than the nose but the light malt and slight crystal sweetness is there. It finishes with a bit of hop character but not bitterness.

M: light and finishes really wet. leaves aome to be desired

O: not bad, sessionable and refreshing. Not all that complex but I don't think it is trying to be.

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2012 06:33:22 | More by N3rdM3t4l