Philadelphia Pale Ale - Yards Brewing Co.

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Looks pale to me lol. Nice golden yellow with an impressive inch of the foamy white stuff. Even still I get a nice lace ring with only mild sticking lace on the glass sides.

S - Definitely smells pretty hoppy with citrus tones and an aggressive grain that gives it a slight english tone and a sweet bready malt

T - Thankfully the grain is balanced and it drinks Sweet with a mild bit of grain and pine and finishes sweet again with a bready malt finish.

M - Wow I could have sworn this was a full bodied pale (around 5 percent) but surprised to see it at 4.3. session able!

Overall I dig this pale and would like to see it in a variety case. Great offering from Yards!

Serving type: bottle

05-30-2011 00:25:31 | More by DrDemento456

nickthetick

Maryland

3.48/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: pours a straw gold into a DFH signature glass with a thin skim of off white head.

S: sweet malt and a whole grain bread quality. Oranges and lemons round out the profile.

T: caramel and bread like in the beginning, some orange and lemon notes. A little pine lingers in the back.

MF: smooth, ok carbonation, crisp and refreshing.

O: an above average, session able beer that would be great for a warm spring day full of drinking.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2011 01:29:39 | More by nickthetick

chodinheaven

Maryland

3.25/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pale, clear yellow with a healthy two-finger head on top that sticks around for a while. Plenty of citrusy hops on the nose that cover most of the smell. Some citrusy grapefruit aromas in there too.

Hops are not as present in the taste as they are in the smell, which is a little disappointing. Citrusy hops up front in a big-ish way, but it doesn't remain so throughout the drink. They seem to get washed out by another flavor, maybe some plain malts that don't do very much to add to the beer. There's definitely a grapfruit zest and even mouthfeel in there as well, but the whole drink leaves a somewhat weird aftertaste in the mouth. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with medium carbonation.

Overall, this beer lacks something in the balance. Love the aroma and the attempt for a hoppy pale ale, but just didn't quite have enough to make it memorable.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2011 05:09:10 | More by chodinheaven

clayphilly

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

My most common beer. Brewed a mile away, this beer has a strong flavor, elements of citrus and malt. Perfect for any occaison or season. Pale ales are usually light taste, but the flavor is perfect for a simple yet great Pale Ale.

Notes:
-24 bottle case
-Philadelphia 6th/Moore distributor 2010

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2011 17:23:54 | More by clayphilly

vande

Illinois

3.48/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Preface: This is a beer that I'll try again in the future, as my mind & palate weren't 100% focused on the beer itself...but I wanted to get something down....

A ~ A nice golden yellow pour with a bit of head..

S ~ Some floral hoppiness going on...nothing overly powerful, but something that one could sit down and drink a few

T ~ A bit of sweetness in the hops, but again, nothing crazy... yet..after the beer's been swallowed, there's a bit of fruit lingering on the back along with a bitter touch.. Seems like something that could be a patio 6er...

M ~ Thin, light and smooth...a decent pale

O ~ While I may not go out of my way to search for it, its drinkable. A beer one could sit down and have more than one of as its light, and a decent change of pace...

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2011 03:45:36 | More by vande

uturn

Florida

3.85/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz. capped bottle poured into a Samuel Adams perfect pint glass.

A: This beer poured a clear golden color with a white finger head leaving a nice lacing on the glass.

N: The nose was very nice and strong with floral and sweet fruity notes.

T: The taste starts off mildly sweet from the malts and you then pick up the nice citrus flavors and a mild bitterness from the hops near the end.

M: The mouthfeel was thin, but still a little creamy with a medium carbonation level.

D: The drinkability was very good, so good I will be adding this beer to my great session beer list.

This is a great transition beer to get your friends into craft beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2011 22:44:17 | More by uturn

BeerForMuscle

New Jersey

3.88/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Golden body, slightly hazy. Decent head ontop.

S - Smells a bit like a nice IPA actually. Sweet floral hop nuances. Some clean, fresh citrus detected in the nose.

T - Alot of citrus flowing through this ale. White grapefruit and some bitter citrus peel as well. Smooth mild hop charachter with a touch of hop warmth. The citrus keeps this beer crisp and refreshing to the palate. The finish is slightly dry and definitely clean.

M - Smooth and light in the mouth. Balanced carbonation and a semi-dry end.

O - A nice little pale ale here. Im partial to the grapefruit/citrus and hop combination so im digging this beer. Im also a fan of refreshing and crisp beers, and this pale ale fits that.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2011 01:37:41 | More by BeerForMuscle

SuncrestBeerMen

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +18%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Absolutely the best smelling beer on the planet. The citrus and evergreen smell is incredible. The flavor is very balanced, not overly bitter which makes it an incredible session beer. Always have to have a case on hand. I have found that many people who don't care for hoppy beers still like this beer. But then again, I have talked to many people who don't care for the beer at all. I guess its one of those love'em or hate'em beers and I definitely love it. My favorite every day beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2011 03:19:31 | More by SuncrestBeerMen

maxwellboh

Virginia

3/5  rDev -19.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Straw color with a big head that disappears slowly. Head sticks the sides of the glass. I like that.
S: Citrus smell followed by pine.
T: Very grapefruit and refreshing.
M: Somewhat hoppy feel, stays with you for a while.
D: Better summertime beer, drank this in March. Very clean.

Not a grapefruit eater, so the beer did not appeal to me. But could see many followers of the beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2011 03:53:36 | More by maxwellboh

deaconoflove

Pennsylvania

3.4/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Ap. Nice golden color, slightly cloudy with a respectable head.
Sm. Sweet, clear, crisp with a strong citris aroma.
Ta. Starts with a light citris note that introduces you to the big white grapefruit flavor of the hops...remains tart and bitter through the finish.
Mf. Good carbonation and body for a lighter beer.
Dr. Pretty good, but I'm out of sync with hoppy APA/IPA beers right now.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2011 23:32:30 | More by deaconoflove

pzrhsau

District of Columbia

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

A: Nice cloudy gold color with a great foamy head.
S: Nice and bitter aroma with some citrusy/piney notes.
T: Slightly bitter and fruity notes. Crisp and refreshing with some good light maltiness.
D/M: Crisp and drinkable beer. Does not overwhelm the palate and really easy to drink

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2011 00:37:46 | More by pzrhsau

danbouch10

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from bottle into glass...

A: Light golden color with a head that lasted long into the enjoyment of this beer.

S: Pleasant almost floral like aroma - very pleasing

T: Seems to be just the right amount of hops and citrus like flavor.

F: Slight bitterness but not too overpowering

D: Goes down nice and easy - recommended as a good beer to start the evening with.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2011 19:13:15 | More by danbouch10

Greenst82

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +19.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

Pours a light golden color with decent head. Aromas of citrus and pine, really nice. Tastes much like it smells. Crisp and refreshing with a pleasant bitter finish, nice balance. Nice carbonation and light on the mouthfeel. Honestly this is my go to beer any time of the year. I could probably live on this stuff. Not overly complex, but definitely interesting and I like that. I'm still surprised every time I drink this beer how much I love it.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2011 17:00:05 | More by Greenst82

devinoconnor

New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Yards Philly Pale Ale is a really special ale. It pours a rich brown color, yet a tad lighter than an ale you'd find brewed in England.

It's taste is exceptional. Just the right amount of hops, with a slight citrus smell and taste. If you like IPA's but find there often a bit too much, give this ale a try.

Washes down very smooth and you'll be begging for more. Its relatively low ABV allows for a few... Enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2010 20:20:03 | More by devinoconnor

Jayli

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Acquired from TheManiacalOne so a big THANK YOU goes out to him!
Consumed 11/8 poured in to a pint glass

A: This beer pours a light copper color with a one finger of white head that hangs on a bit. Big spots of lacing are left on the glass.

S: Nose is overpoweringly floral hops. Just a bed of botanical hop notes. Minor biscuity notes are present, but the hop rules on this one.

T: Taste starts a grapefruit and floral hop bite. Compared to the nose, floral presence is a bit muted wihch is a good thing. Middle is filled with a breadiness that calms the hop bite. Finish has a light caramel malt presence with a bit more of floral hop bitterness.

M: Lighter side of medium body, medium carbonation, starts off quite crisp before getting a bit of sticky-chewyness to it.

D: Goes down relatively easy, somewhat tasty, mild kick, ok representation of style.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2010 18:11:08 | More by Jayli

BeerConnoiseur

Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I drank this beer out of a tall Pilsner glass.

A- Clear light copper pour, nice colored body with a large white head reducing to light spots of lacing.

S- Light malt which quickly leads to good hops with a boat load of grapefruit and pine, it has a trace scent of pineapple in here also.

T- Light malt takes the charge, with a lot of hops following. Pineapple and grapefruit and a hint of orange. The pine is faint in the taste.

M- light to less medium bodied... Average level of carbonation.

D- Easy to drink if you enjoy hops, I could enjoy this brew on a summer day after mowing the lawn sitting on my deck relaxing.

This is a qulaity Pale Ale. I love Pale Ales and I would deifinitely purchase this one again. I would prefer it more in the warmj weather months because that is to my liking drinking a fine Pale Ale.a But it would take little to tweist my arm to drink this fine brew!!

Slainte!

Serving type: bottle

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2010 20:20:01 | More by BeerConnoiseur

prismbeer

Pennsylvania

3.33/5  rDev -10.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This is a good beer to start the night out with. It has a good hop aroma and is quite tasty. Nothing fancy - just a solid plae ale. We actually keep a case of yards here at the brewery most of the time since we aren't yet bottling and like a nice local beer after we're done brewing.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2010 15:37:21 | More by prismbeer

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I'm trying to play up some similarity between the city of Philadelphia and the beer's appearance but it looks so bright and sunny, yellow like a summer daffodil, and I've only ever visited Philadelphia in the dead of winter! Honestly, the glare is so bright it radiates even despite a filminess that makes the glass look dusty as an old antique.

Allow me to play Carnac the Magnificent here: a flower shop, a tropical beach, the produce section of the grocery store... what is the smell of Yards' Philadelphia Pale Ale? This bouquet is particularly strong suited in pineapple and grapefruit and wafts with a delightful floral effervescence. It pleasantly reeks to begin with and swirling only makes it reek more.

The flavour, while not quite as ripping as the aroma, still tastes of the same 'pink grapefruit and flowers' brand of hoppiness. And specially for the tongue a 'toasted bread' kind of maltiness is dished out and together they combine to make a taste that resembles some kind of candied citrus topped lemon sponge cake. Mmm, maybe I'll try making that!?

Philadelphia Pale Ale may be American by birth and in name, but it reminds me of a classic British cask offering: the hoppiness is lively and refreshingly acidic, the maltiness firm but not thick and the carbonation is casually laid back. Not to mention, it's the kind of beer you could keep on drinking all night - screw dogs, beers like this are man's best friend.

They say it's always sunny in Philadelphia and its namesake beer proves it. The golden shine, bright, buzzing bouquet and zestful, tropical flavours give this beer the same character (and appeal) as an all-inclusive beach resort getaway. And the thought of some nice weather - or any weather, really - and a six pack of this is simply mouthwatering.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2010 04:06:17 | More by biegaman

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.65/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes.

Pours a light golden color. Definitely fairly light. Good white head, though. Nose brings some citrus and a bit of pine. Fairly faint. Taste is citrus, pine, and a bit of caramel doughiness. Feel is light with good carbonation and some bitterness. Drinks quite well. A step down from their IPA but still good.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2010 22:21:54 | More by Thorpe429

dondeez21

New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle poured into a tulip glass.
A: Golden Straw colored beer with a thin head and nice amount of lacing left on the glass.
S: Smell is like your average pale ale. Mostly earthy malt with a very light yeast aroma.
T: Very crisp and citrusy. American hops dominate the palate.
M: Crisp light body. Excellent for a warm summer day or a cool fall evening
D: Very easy drinking beer. Low in alcohol but high in flavor. The beer is very refreshing and seems to get better with every sip.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2010 00:05:04 | More by dondeez21

AleWatcher

Illinois

3.8/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Got this from Mikereaser in the Blind Bombers BIF. This beer was reviewed completely blind-- with no knowledge of the beer, brewer, or even style.
Reviewed from notes. Served in snifter.

Bright, clear, golden in color... The beer is practically yellow. Lots of active carbonation... So yellow and fizzy? Did Mike try to sneak something by me here? The head is thick and sticky-- 2 fingers of bone white froth. The head doesn't look like anything I've seen on a lager before!

Very faint nose-- slight hops... but hard to really pinpoint what they are doing other than just a little floral note. Very little malt on nose... but not smelling any adjuncts, so the head and nose point to something other than BMC-- which is good!

I take a sip and... a VERY crisp and clean finish has me immediately thinking this is a lager. Perhaps this is a Pilsener? A light floral and spice hop note fits too. Very little malt. There is a bit of lemony citrus flavor towards the finish which is throwing me off! Now it is all I can think about and it is growing stronger.

Agh! Once I THINK about a style, my brain shuts off the parts that aren't related to THAT style! I need to start fresh on this one.

Ok-- a glass of water and a few of my sons' crackers and I'm back on this one!

Hmmm... maybe it was too cold before, because now it seems to have opened up a bit more! Now that I'm letting my brain allow my sense to REALLY scan this beer I'm noticing a lot more in the nose: there is a light malt-- like bread or even toast- it isn't very sweet. The hops are coming in with floral and lemony notes.
Lots of carbonation-- lighter than medium body, but possibly due to the bubbly feel associated with this much carbonation.

Very drinkable-- although I'm still not sure what it is! I still hold on to the idea that this could be a lager of some sort-- though it must be the hoppiest lager I've ever come across! Equally as likely, this could be a semi-faded IPA or a gently hopped APA.

---Rips open envelope---

It's Yard's Philadelphia Pale Ale. this beer has been on my wants list for a white now! I actually tried this once before when I got it as an extra-- I was too lazy to review it then though-- so this was a fun little adventure. Now knowing it is an APA, the numbers are as follows: 4/3.5/4/3/4

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2010 03:41:14 | More by AleWatcher

msubulldog25

Oregon

4/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle from a mixed sixer, picked up hours earlier at Yards. No bottle date, but I'm guessing it's about as fresh as a bottle can get...

A: Bright golden, extra clear and full of small carbonation. Capped with a meringue-like dollop of white cream, stacked a thumb high before falling to thin, dimpled lid. Pretty lace, glistening bands of foam.

S: Vibrant smell, strong and lemony, verbena(?). Honeyed malt and spiced bread. I enjoyed this from the taps, and am glad the aroma is just as wonderful from the bottle.

T: Spiced bread malt base (Pilsner), covered in citrus (lemon/pink grapefruit) zest (Simcoe hops) and astringent pine. Hoppy enough, although malt-forward flavors eventually skew this Pale more toward an English version. And I'm OK with that.

M: Crisp feel at first, mellows gradually before eventually becoming a little sticky/gummy. Light-medium body.

D: On the day when I first (finally!) tried ANYthing from this venerable mid-Atlantic brewery, I've gotta say I'm impressed. Bright, flavorful and brilliantly scented, the Philly Pale Ale was one of several Yards brews (more reviews to follow) that I'd be glad to return to.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2010 13:29:38 | More by msubulldog25

speter

New Jersey

3.93/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A: This is quite a pale ale, clear gold with a light one-finger head that fades to a collar.

S: The nose is grapefruity American hops, and plenty of them.

T: The light malt is the first to shine, but the citrus of the hops becomes apparent even before the center, by which point there are notes of pine and perhaps the famous "juicy fruit" flavor. When cold, the finish is quite bitter, but is very pleasant as the beer warms slightly.

M: About what you'd expect from an APA. I'd love to try it on cask.

D: This is a true session beer: low ABV, but with lots of taste and character.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2010 02:54:41 | More by speter

Bouleboubier

Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Not your typical pale ale. First off, the color is "off". Expecting your average or traditional coppery amber color, you're instead presented with a solid gold, sort of sunny yellow hue. Looks like an overly carbonated adjunct lager, and I'm sure this effects the taste perception for some. I happen to like it for what it is and the head is almost always very thick and cottony from the pour with ample, sparkly lacing. Aside from some specks of yeast floating around, it has a clean, filtered appearance.

I've seen some people describe the aroma and subsequently the flavor as "cat pissy". On rare occasions, I sense something like that, too, but I find, by and large, it offers a firm, uniformly appealing hop character - nothing offensive. I'd describe the hop aroma as floral/perfumy, herbal, grapefruity (to a small degree), and piney more than anything else. Little bit of a zesty yeast thing wafting around as well.

This is brewed with pilsner malt and, knowing that, the beer does look and drink like a spicier, hoppier Pilsner Urquell. It's a mindfuck - calling this a pale ale when it's very pilsner/export like. It has some grainy attributes in flavor and feel to go along with a quite herby, almost rosemary, hop essence. Hardly thin and watery either, which I think would turn me off. Enough substance to satisfy, quench, and accompany/wash down summer grill foods and salads very nicely.

Hey, it's probably the weaning - or purely regional - but this is a fantastic beer, preferably on tap. Worth a shot if you come across it and it's reasonably fresh. Most assuredly sessionable. Brush aside expectations, close your eyes and drink it. You'll love it or hate it. I don't care, I'll drink it all the same.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2010 00:01:41 | More by Bouleboubier

jmdrpi

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

poured from 12oz bottle, a bright golden color, clear, with a thin white head. much lighter than some other pale ales, but I suppose within the range for the style. aromas detected are straw, grain, but mostly piney hops. taste is dominated by a crisp hop bite with a clean finish. higher carbonation with light body. it's quite easy to throw back, a good summer beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2010 02:39:20 | More by jmdrpi