Philadelphia Pale Ale - Yards Brewing Co.

KTCamm

New Jersey

3.56/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served on tap at Urban Table in Morristown, NJ. Served in a tall pilsener glass.

Pours clear golden colored, a touch on the darker side, but able to see through. Some nice foam sits atop. Nondescript nose, that of a light ale. Taste is a very well balanced pale ale - malt with a present bitter that blends nicely together. Some citrus on the back half. Carbonatoion is good. A well done pale, perfect with a sunday brunch.

Serving type: on-tap

01-14-2013 12:25:15 | More by KTCamm

cfrances33

Illinois

3.25/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

On tap at Philly Public House on 8/1/12, served in a shaker pint.

Pour: Clear golden with a finger and a half of white head. Does not leave much lacing.

Smell: Citrus and floral hops with a honey sweetness thrown in.

Taste: Pretty unexpected hop character that is quite flavorful. Grassy hops, with a light pine and citrus. Bready sweetness. Maybe it was the blandness of the Yuengling I had before, but this taste pretty solid.

Mouthfeel: Really light. As light as the Yuengling. Goes down easy and refreshing.

Overall: Pretty solid, and took my by surprise as being this solid.

Serving type: on-tap

08-02-2012 00:41:46 | More by cfrances33

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.45/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served on tap in a pint glass

Appearance – The brew was served with a hazy yellow color with a medium white head. The head faded rather fast giving a light amount of lacing on the glass.

Smell – The aroma is of bread, citrus and malt. The heaviest citrus is of lemon zest nature. Some other floral and spicy aromas are in the nose as well rounding it out nicely.

Taste – The taste is of a biscuit and malt up front and is mixed with some lightly sweet and citrus hop notes. Toward the middle it dries out more with some lemon and spice entering the taste. While the biscuit flavor lessen as the taste goes on, the lemon and spice flavors get stronger as the flavor moves to the end. At the end a bitter lemon and spice flavor are left on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – Light in body with a higher level of carbonation. Good for giving a refreshing and easy drinking brew.

Overall – Very easy to drink with a drier bitter lemon and spicy flavor. While the bitter that it leaves on the tongue is just so-so it is a good session brew for a nice summer day as it has good flavors (other than the bitter aftertaste) and a great mouthfeel.

Serving type: on-tap

05-25-2012 23:05:49 | More by Darkmagus82

NardiByNature

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +20.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Note: realized I put this review under the wrong category (Yards IPA) a few months ago. Just moving the review to the proper place...

Reviewed on: 01-05-2012 05:31:27

Got to say it: I loved this beer.

Had this on tap at Irish Pub on Walnut during a trip to Philadelphia yesterday.

A fingers worth of head sits on top of a light, slightly hazy, honey colored body. The lacing on this brew is wonderful - I love it when the circular residue follows your sips all the way down like the notches on a tree. It smells great - grassy, candied citrus. Taste follows the nose with a little hop but not that much. It's fruity and even kind of creamy. Leaves a great taste behind.

I've never heard of this beer and it was delicious. I'm sure it was a fresh batch on tap, but maybe this beer is also underrated.

Give it a shot!

Serving type: on-tap

Reviewed on: 01-05-2012 05:31:27

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2012 18:30:49 | More by NardiByNature

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

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

A-cloudy pale yellow with a sticky white head

S-citrusy hops. fairly grainy. faint scent.

T-comes in with a creamy and lemony taste of hoppy grains. its fairly buttery. not bad. has a good crisp matching after-taste. easy drinking, small flavors.

M-creamy medium carbonation with a creamy finish

O-not a terrible pale ale, very drinkable as a pale ale should be. not very exciting either, as most pale ales aren't. its a safe pick, something okay to end a session with.

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2012 19:52:06 | More by AdamBear

tobelerone

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the brewery.

A very clear, bright gold colored beer with a fluffy head that has both good retention and strong lacing. Nice aroma that's faintly sweet and malty, but the hops, which are citrusy and a bit floral, come to the fore. There was a jar of nugget hops on the bar in front of me and it was obvious after examining it that nugget is indeed the dominant hop in this tasty beer, both in the aroma and the flavor.

Hop forward but still somewhat balanced; low bitterness, tasty pilsener malt. On tap this is smoother and creamier, with lower carbonation, than I expected and have experienced with the bottled version. Very different from the many west coast/SNPA style offerings on the market. Delicious, easy drinking, highly recommended. My favorite beer from this brewery so far.

EDIT: I've been back numerous times and I stand by my original impression that this is the best beer I've had from them out about 10 different offerings, by far.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2011 02:10:42 | More by tobelerone

avalon07

South Carolina

3.75/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Had this one on-tap at P.J. Whelihan's in Cherry Hill, N.J. Had a bright yellow color and a clear consistency. There was a half inch of foamy, fairly long-lasting head. Average lacing.

S: A decent amount of citrus in the smell, with some hops as well.

T: Tasted of hops (very mild), a little malt, and citrus (grapefruit). This beer had an alright, serviceable flavor, but did not jump out at me.

M: A highly carbonated beer with a dry finish. Medium-bodied.

O: While this beer isn't horrible, it's not particularly memorable either.

Serving type: on-tap

11-15-2011 13:27:20 | More by avalon07

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4.19/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

First had: on tap at the Khyber (back when it was an important place), Philly, PA

Philly Pale Ale is one of my favorite "simple" beers, and easily one of my favorite overall "basic" local brews. No nonsense, just a great beer. Pours a clear golden yellow, notably carbonated with a foamy white head that leaves some patchy lacing on the glass. Often, yeast floaters can be seen in the glass or bottle. Fresh aroma, filled with sweet malts, crisp hops, citrus zest, and light fruits. Flavor is nicely balanced between sweet bready hops, bright hops--citrus, pine, floral--and lightly and subtly fruity with notes of citrus and apricot. Light-medium body, appropriately carbonated, and extremely drinkable for everyone from beer wusses to beer snobs.

Serving type: on-tap

09-18-2011 02:44:15 | More by Rifugium

Beertarded

Pennsylvania

1.95/5  rDev -47.7%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Had this one on tap at the Standard Tap in Philly. Pours a hazy light yellow with a thin head. A tiny bit of lacing. Disturbing fruity cat urine scent, with just a hint of circus peanut and pine. Nightmarish bready watery flavor. Non-descript mouthfeel and long finish.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2011 18:18:35 | More by Beertarded

THECPJ

Delaware

3.73/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from notes:

appearane: golden yellow with a 1 finger head

smell: hops, malts,

taste: crisp, clean, hops, malts,

mouthfeel: mild carbonation, medium body,

overall: this beer was refreshing and enjoyed it. easy to drink and I like beers that can be well balanced and enjoyed in the sun without knocking you out.

Cheers,
The CPJ

Serving type: on-tap

07-08-2011 00:39:05 | More by THECPJ

mdaschaf

Washington

3.73/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had on tap at the Pickled Pig in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Review from notes.

A: Served in a pint glass, the beer was a slightly hazy orange color with a small white, foamy head on top. Moderate retention, but some nice lacing.

S: Light citrus with some orange and orange peel, a little bit of grass, and little bit of caramel.

T: Similar to the aroma, on the citrus side with both orange and orange peel, a little bit of lemon and some grass as well. The caramelized malt comes through a bit stronger on the flavor than the aroma. Slightly sweet finish.

M: Light to medium bodied with medium carbonation, pretty smooth and crisp.

O: Pretty good and easy drinking, nice hop level for an APA. A little light, but helps with drinkability. Glad that Yards is now in Delaware, but I probably won't be getting it again at $6.50 a pint.

Serving type: on-tap

06-22-2011 16:09:54 | More by mdaschaf

gatorbreath

Fiji

4.47/5  rDev +19.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed yard's Pale Ale from the Tap and then a case the next day!

Man PA is wonderful for the out-of-towner!

The Appearance is lovely on this IPA nice light colored tan/brown look on this summer looking ale. The smell is golden heaven, hoppiness taking over with floral, tropical citrus notes, my favorite...Taste is nice, not too carbonated, just right, feels great on the palate. Overall i pushed this on everyone i interacted with up in PA, it was my favorite..

Had a few other brews from Yards, and we stormed through a mixed case as well so i must hype this brewery. Enjoy!

Serving type: on-tap

05-28-2011 20:26:32 | More by gatorbreath

nukem5

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this fresh draft in Philly and was going thru notebook and saw had not posted it, well beter late than never.

A: Nice amber pour with sexy tan cap, kept clinging to the glass for dear life till the bottom of glass.

S: Some malts and great floral hoppy notes.

T: First thing you taste is the floral hop and a nice balanced malty backbone.

M: Great body with a slightly chewy feel but light.

O: Better from dreft than bottle any day and will seek this out again! Lovely beer with a great floral hop to it and overall a very tasty beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2011 18:26:40 | More by nukem5

DJED69

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

One of my favorite warm weather brews. I think Yards really hit it dead on with this beer. Pours a nice dark gold color with good head and some lace. Smells of citrus, some breadiness and malt. Taste is very nice---some bitterness balanced with citrus zest and light malts. Really reminds me of a good English ale. Low ABV makes it easy and enjoyable to drink. Perfect beer for a BBQ or watching baseball. Living 20 miles from the brewery probably helps with fresh local stock. Matter of fact, think I'll grab a six for today!

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2011 15:27:05 | More by DJED69

socon67

New York

4.43/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at Citizens Bank Park.

A - Pours yellow/orange. A thick head of foam on top.

S - Smells strong of grapefruit. Perhaps the strongest I can recall.

T - Incredible taste of citrus. About the most refreshing pale ale I can recall.

M - Enjoyable, and perfect for a hot day.

O - Glad to have tried this one. For those who like citrus flavored ales, this is a must.

Serving type: on-tap

04-30-2011 23:47:58 | More by socon67

StaEva

Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +22%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer is a clinic on grapefruit. Aroma and taste are just sopping with grapefruit. It's beautiful and refreshing with incredible carbonation that leaves a good creamy head until the fifth sip or so.

Forced to choose, I would happily give up every other APA I've ever had for the rest of my life.

Serving type: on-tap

04-27-2011 23:54:05 | More by StaEva

ambiguator

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +19.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I love this beer.

Well balanced hops and malts. Depending on what I'm eating, or my mood, I find myself noticing one or the other more prominently at different times. I think this speaks to beer's balance.

Hands down the most reliable, best valued beer in Philadelphia. Yards always works with quality ingredients to produce fine quality products like this original PPA.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2011 21:59:21 | More by ambiguator

ajfalcone13

New Jersey

4.68/5  rDev +25.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I've been keeping this in my kegerator for the last year. Hands down one of my favorite all-around beers and always a crowd pleaser. The pilsner nose can be strong so I usually serve it in a pilsner glass. A great crisp pale ale with a touch of grapefruit/citrus.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2011 12:57:23 | More by ajfalcone13

xnicknj

Pennsylvania

3.3/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

on tap at new wave in philly. served in a pint glass.

Pours a slightly hazed golden orange with a thick layer of filmy whit head. Fades slowly with spotty rings of lacing and nice retention.

Scents of citrus hops with pineapple and biscuit malt followed by sweetness and hops.

A dash of bitter hops up front with citrus and orange. Slight tones of rind and lemon peel followed by more hop bitterness. Malt backbone sweetness is super light and understated. Dry hops with more fruit and bitterness towards the finish.

Lighter medium body, dry finish, and some touches of fruit. Drinks quick, not really the best Yards beer but not the worst either.

Serving type: on-tap

02-24-2011 06:36:02 | More by xnicknj

callmeclemens

New Jersey

1.95/5  rDev -47.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Smells like pine, yellow- orange small head and generally very little lacing. Tastes like pine, pine and hops not much else. I theres much better yards out there, and much better `` summer beers`` for that matter. I wouldn`t consider the drinkability high. However if youve ever wanted to drink a pine tree, this is it.

Serving type: on-tap

08-24-2010 22:35:25 | More by callmeclemens

CHickman

New York

4.1/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours gold in color with a 1 finger white head that faded quickly; very good lacing that left rings.

Smells of strong floral hops, citrus hops, sweet malt, grapefruit, orange peel, lemon, coriander, light caramel and light spices. Very potent nose that seems more like an IPA.

Pale Ale my ass...this tastes like an IPA and a good one at that. Tastes like it smells with floral hops, citrus hops, sweet malt, lemon, grapefruit, orange peel, coriander, light caramel and light spices; a really nice balanced beer with good malt sweetness and hop zing to add to the floral/citrus bite. Very tasty indeed.

Mouthfeel is crisp and creamy on the tongue with light carbonation, a medium body and a dry puckering finish from the hop spices.

A very enjoyable and tasty beer that I will seek out again and recommend.

Serving type: on-tap

07-01-2010 03:38:01 | More by CHickman

bundy462

Pennsylvania

2.15/5  rDev -42.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

A: Pale yellow with a medium head, very average.

S: Grainy up front with some heavy floral hops, grapefruit, lemon, and orange. Almost ammonia-like smell that was a turn off. Very much like cat piss.

T: Heavy grapefruit and lemon taste, very floral hops. I was expecting more bite than was present. This isn't really my type of pale ale, too fruity for me. Strange aftertaste that tasted like cat piss smells.

M: Average.

O: Not very high marks here for me personally because I just couldn't get past the smell and taste.

I really thought that I got a bad batch of this beer because I know that Yards has a good reputation, but there were others at the bar drinking off of the same tap and loving it. Piss guzzlers.

Serving type: on-tap

05-28-2010 02:20:27 | More by bundy462

jwhancher

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Have had this numerous times over the years. Recently stopped in a local bar and had a pint:

A: Bright yellow, straw in color. Nice white head. Good carbonation.

S: Reeks of citrus hops. Grapefruit & orange peel aromas. Pleasant.

T: Nice bittering flavor from hops. Light malt background. Something appear to be a bit off these days. Can't quite put my finger on it. I get the feeling Yards changed the recipe from a few years ago. Perhaps when the owners went their own separate ways?

M: Light & refreshing.

D: Nice beer for the warmer months, but good anytime. Compliments food well. Have made this my session beer on a few occasions, but not as much recently (due to possible recipe change?).

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2010 14:08:15 | More by jwhancher

MikeRa

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: This beer is a light copper/straw color with a good head.

S: It has a nice caramel like smell, with some fruity floral smell as well

T: It has a nice caramel taste, with a hint of the hops in there as well

M: This beer goes down really smooth, and it has a nice carbonization level in there as well

D: This is a beer that I will most definitely will drink again

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2010 19:29:27 | More by MikeRa

zoso1967

Michigan

3.38/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured a nice pale amber with bright white head and decent lacing. Aroma was dominated by lemony hops, with grainy pine notes as well. The taste was bracingly bitter with tons of hops. Very lemony with a touch of grassy hops and some graininess in the finish. Pretty aggressive bitterness makes it kind of hard to pick many other elements. It really seems like it could benefit from more of a malt backbone. That being said, it has good hop taste and the bitterness gives it a very dry finish that would work well for cooling off on hot day, or drinking at a BBQ. Fairly light bodied and quite drinkable if you dig all the hops and bitterness.

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2010 20:50:01 | More by zoso1967