Drifter Pale Ale - Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

Ethanol4one

New York

4.5/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Excellent balance of hops with rich, if slightly muted and slightly over attenuated malty flavors. I like this beer.

The head looks bottle aged, with those awesome micro bubbles you'll find on Guinness or in a bottle aged Belgian ale that uses Champaign yeast to top it off. I just got served a second, which looked flat, and within 30 second, it's got a head like a Guinness (but tasting nothing like it).

It's deceptive, almost like a big, thin, rice brewed commercial lager but with twice the flavor and punch, or kick in the chops, however you like to think of ABV. Not very hoppy on the nose either, so you still may think you're going to get a basic lager flavor until the malt meets hops toward the back of the mouth.

Compares well to Sam Adams and blows away Shock Top sitting next to it on tap, like a vainglorious David Lee Roth posing next to, say, The Killers. Drifter's Tap handle is pretty cool too, like a clean, cartoonishly retro life saver resting on deck, there for you, in case you need it.

It's all over Florida, so it's there for you if you're lurking around the sunny-rainy "Sunshine" state. Unlike Florida, this beer always appears to deliver.

Serving type: on-tap

12-11-2012 20:12:13 | More by Ethanol4one

IronLover

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Deep copper orange in color with good clarity. Poured with a short off-white foam that reduced to a wispy cap that left a ladder of sticky lacings down the glass. Sweet caramel and ripe orange aromas with resinous pine beneath. Buttery smooth feel with slighty subdued carbonation. Sweet caramel and fruity flavors out of the gate that quickly transition to a resinous pine hoppiness to the end. Finishes crisp and dry.

Serving type: on-tap

11-03-2012 04:14:30 | More by IronLover

mrfreakybig

New York

4/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this on draft, poured into a big old plastic cup.

I'm sure it could be because it was a gorgeous summer day, but from the second I sat down behind this beer, I was happy. It tasted like a straight, down-the-middle pale ale should. Malty, the right amount of hops, some foam. The color was bubbly amber. I enjoyed this beer deeply, and could easily have spent the day happily drinking them. No tricks or surprises here, just a hands-down easy-going happy-drinking pale ale. I can't wait to have another.

Serving type: on-tap

07-24-2012 17:08:58 | More by mrfreakybig

kangarooAdam59

Wyoming

3.5/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Newick's in South Portland, ME:

In a pint glass:

A: clear, golden amber colored boy with a one finger white head that left spotty yet foamy lacing, some rings were left in the wak. No carbonation was seen rising.

S: some citrus, hops and mild malts.

T: basically the same.

M: medium with a decent amount of carbonation felt but came across slightly smooth

O: this was a good beer. There was nothing that made it stand out, but it was still very good and would make me want to have this any time or any place.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2012 17:57:02 | More by kangarooAdam59

EgadBananas

Louisiana

3.15/5  rDev -16.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

On tap 2 Miller's Alehouse-Destin, FL.

Poured nice near clear sunny color with a finger of off-white head.

The aroma was faint with some earthy hop tones and a crisp malt profile.

I'm not sure the temperature was right for this...it was cold. Felt colder than the ice water I was drinking. Bit of maltiness, with a crisp earthy hop profile, though again, like with the aroma, it was mild.

Light to upper light in body

It was decent. I will definitely still grab some bottles if I ever find some.

Serving type: on-tap

05-06-2012 21:40:38 | More by EgadBananas

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A-Pours a fairly vibrant orange hue. Nice head. Mostly clear. All in all a nice looking brew. Clean.

S-Smells quite full of juicy citrus-rind hops. I was pleasantly surprised. Nice malt skeleton too. An aromatic brew that has an enticing nose.

T-Tastes really nice as well. Akin to the nose. Plenty of fruity and juicy hops but the malt reminds you it is an APA. I imbibed this glass quite quickly and was a damn good time.

M-Pretty light with a bunch of carbonation. Could drink several pints of this because of the body.

O/D-Pleasantly surprised as I asked for a glass without being able to see the name of the beer. Just knew I hadn't tried it and was happy with the results. A pretty legitimate APA. Would have it again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-09-2012 03:42:23 | More by VelvetExtract

JayQue

Virginia

4/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I just had a few of these at Cat Cora's restaurant in Disney World. I enjoyed the bottled version, the draft was just a little better...more hoppy. This beer pours a copper color with medium size off-white head. About average retention Good thick lacing in rings around the glass. Smell is of floral hops and fairly pronounced.

Taste begins with floral and citrus hops, more robust for an APA than the bottled version. The taste then fades into slightly sweet malt, with a little bitterness in the finish.

Mouthfeel is rich for an APA and crisp. Drinkability is very good, crisp and tasty, a good candidate for a session beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2011 02:27:49 | More by JayQue

WoodBrew

Illinois

4/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I was in Jacksonville and tried the Drifter Pale Ale at Miller Ale House. A very good pale ale. Pours a copper colored body with an off-white head with good retention. Aromas are a bit atypical from what I'd expect from an APA, but I like them: I get a lot of pineapple and grapefruit notes from the hops with caramel maltiness playing a less pronounced role. These flavors define its taste as well, but the caramel malts are more prominent, making for a well-balanced beer. Well done, Widmer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2011 02:48:17 | More by WoodBrew

rapayn01

Kentucky

3.78/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had a pint of this very nice ale at a local cafe. By the time it was served, the head had dissipated, but it had some lacing in the glass which suggested that the original head was about half an inch thick.

I didn't pick up any distinctive smells, but I caught a whiff of light citrus in this amber-orange ale.

Drifter Pale Ale is a nicely hopped ale, with some citrus flavors carrying the weight. I believe the malts were reflected in some hints of caramel, but to me the hops stood out a bit stronger. I would not call it evenly balanced.

In sum, I found this to be a highly drinkable and satisfactory beer.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2011 04:35:55 | More by rapayn01

kylehay2004

Florida

3.85/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: amber and clear with a single finger head nd lots of lace

S: light on the aroma, mostly pine an grapefruit, some malt

T: spicy hops with pine, grapefruit and ginger notes. Not too bitter. Hops are a little lighter than I was hoping for

M: moderate to high carbonation , medium body

Overall: an average pale ale without many memorable aspects to it. Very refreshing for a pale ale

Serving type: on-tap

11-05-2011 18:20:16 | More by kylehay2004

AgentMunky

California

3.35/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from the plastic cup in which it was served at 3 in Charlottesville into a pint glass that I'd saved (and rinsed out) from my previous beer. From notes. Reviewed 21 June 2011.

A: Decent head with a clearish amber-gold colour. Vaguely reddish.

S: Good; spicy. Lots of pleasantly fruity-bitter hops. If only it were stronger, it would be exceptional.

T: Not so good. Generic pale ale with a splash of sweet ginger. Spicy-hopped (floral, not bitter) endtaste.

M: Medium. Neutral. More good than bad.

O: It's okay. I guess I like it. I wouldn't recommend one, but I'd have another. Characterised by its 'sweetishness'.

Serving type: on-tap

10-09-2011 20:09:45 | More by AgentMunky

nimrod979

Maryland

3.65/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Hempen Hill BBQ. This pours a beautiful deep reddish-orange with a small off white head that eventually fades to just a small film lingering on top. Lovely sticky lacing on the side of the glass.
Aroma is citrus hops. Orange and peach aromas.
Taste is very citrusy and a bit hoppy. Nothing too overwhelming with a bit of some earthy and caramel malt to balance and smooth out the beer. Slightly watery. Mild citrusy/floral hops in the finish.
Medium carbonation. Somewhat one dimensional though not boring. I actually thought it was pretty enjoyable and refreshing. I really like the tap handle too!

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2011 22:18:46 | More by nimrod979

biglobo8971

Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

had this on tap at a bar that I wasnt expecting to get a good beer from. It took some time to convince the bartender not to keep pouring it into frozen pints, once I got him to pour it in the same glass that I ordered my original from, I really started to enjoy this beer.
Pours a very orange amber color with a nice inch and a half head with lacing present the whole glass. Very pleasant taste, nice faint bitter hoppiness with a well balanced blend of malt and caramel. The taste is enjoyable from the beginning to the end of each sip.
Would definitely order this beer again. Probably wont seek it out, but will not have any issue of buying it in the future.

Serving type: on-tap

07-24-2011 21:15:27 | More by biglobo8971

weller1js

West Virginia

3.8/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

appearance: pours a healthy copper red, moderately carbonated with offwhite foam, leaving similar lacing.

smell: hops are floral and piney, with a light sweetness present in the undertones.

taste: begins clean, light malty undertones yield to a mellow yet floral hop sensation, finishes crisp with a light bittersweetness.

overall: well hopped pale ale, has everything you need in a basic pale ale, very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

07-20-2011 01:09:18 | More by weller1js

DrinkingDrake

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz glass of dark red goodness. Almost no head but a good ring around the glass makes me think it was just the pour. The aroma has a solid amount of caramel and sourdough but that is dominated by a large amount of orange citrus and grapefruit. I was expecting more malt in the flavor but I was overwhelmed with fruity hop flavors. A ton of grapefruit and orange, like the nose, but with a tasty combination of malt and hops that is fruity, tangy and sweet. This went down very smooth because of how tasty it was. Medium/light body with a juicy, thirst quenching finish.

Serving type: on-tap

06-29-2011 00:56:34 | More by DrinkingDrake

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.58/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured on-tap and served in a pint glass, the beer is a deep, auburn-copper color with a smooth, creamy white head. Decent lacing while you enjoy. The beer has a semi-sweet citrus and caramel aroma, with some floral notes. Light, sweet flavors, with very light spicing. Notes of lemon zest, caramel, and light hops. Peppery and tangy sweet aftertaste, with a spicy and astringent finish. Easy drinker, and great on a hot day.

Serving type: on-tap

06-22-2011 00:51:34 | More by GarthDanielson

RonaldTheriot

Louisiana

4.38/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Drifter Pale Ale has a creamy, off-white head, which would probably be thick and fluff,y had the barmaid poured it in a manner to build such a head (this was on draft). Lots of thick lacing rings are left down the pint glass. The aroma is initially almost nil, but as one drinks down the glass, the citrus and pine really show out. The taste is pleasantly hop forward, with strong citrus and piney aspects. Some say it has grapefruit taste in it, but I’m not sure I found that. There is a good bitter aftertaste with this. Mouthfeel is medium, and Drifter Pale Ale finishes mostly dry and has a relatively crisp finish. Overall, this is a very enjoyable and delicious beer. RJT

Serving type: on-tap

05-24-2011 19:58:30 | More by RonaldTheriot

soju6

Missouri

4/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Served a deep amber color with a good head and lacing that lasted throughout.

S: Aroma of mild citrus and a nice caramel malt sweetness.

T: Has a nice subtle bitterness throughout with a touch of malt sweetness and a dry finish.

F: Medium body, quite clean and smooth. Very well balanced.

O: Very enjoyable beer, much better than I expected. This is not an in your face kind of beer. Goes down easy and ordered another without hesitation. Well worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2011 20:58:39 | More by soju6

MaxBrewell

West Virginia

3.33/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had this one on-tap at Madelein's on High Street.

A - Clear, medium, amber. Off-white head that faded rather quickly.

S - Citrus hops and some floral notes blended with some bready malts.

T - Tastes like a ruby grapefruit, which is ok if you like that sort of thing. Bready malts become more apparrent as it warms. A decent Pale Ale.

M - Medium body and carbonation.

D - A very drinkable beer. Initially the grapefruit took me by surprise, but I warmed up to it. I would certainly try this one again, maybe from the bottle next time.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2011 00:02:40 | More by MaxBrewell

MaltsOfGlory

Oregon

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

Pours a nice one finger head, it’s very see through though. The body is amber in color and it has lots of carbonation. It looks like a pale ale, but not quite as thick as I would like, it looks decent though. The smell is nice and hoppy with a little malt sweetness. It doesn’t smell like a weak pale ale at all, it smells legit. Yeah, nice hoppy flavor on the taste. Not too overwhelming, but good and hoppy with a nice malt balance on it. This beer is very drinkable, not too watery though. The mouthfeel could be a little bigger, but it’s not too bad. There really isn’t anything wrong with this beer at all. Overall a good pale ale!

Serving type: on-tap

05-05-2011 10:35:01 | More by MaltsOfGlory

theperfectGF

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This was my first experience with beverages from Widmer Brothers Brewing Company. Had a great grapefruit scent that carried through to the taste. Was crisp with good hop flavor. Nice amber coloring. Easy drinking and very enjoyable, could definitely have a few of these. Will be sure to look for it again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-14-2011 17:35:40 | More by theperfectGF

oldsailor

Nevada

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this at the Brew's Best Craft beer festival this weekend. It was my first taster of the day and was such a good choice. Fruity smell was the first thing I noticed. Crisp feel once it hits your mouth which is a delight on a warm day. Clean taste after you're finished, no lingering after-taste. Overall I would definitely pick this beer up again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2011 13:32:24 | More by oldsailor

theboozecruise

Louisiana

3.95/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Front Porch Pub in Houston - served in a shaker pint.

This is the best looking pint of the night... a clear deep reddish color with a pretty impressive head. Not bad at all.

The aroma was a good combo of citrus hops and sweet caramel malts. The blend I look for in a good APA was there, and definitely want to give it a taste.

The flavor is more of the hoppy fruit flavors than the malt, but the malt still comes through as well. The sweeter flavors are there when you swish the beer around in your mouth and the beer rolls over the tip of the tongue. On the swallow, the hops come through even moreso.

A good beer, best one of the night, and one I went back for seconds of.

Serving type: on-tap

01-31-2011 16:22:49 | More by theboozecruise

bboelens

Florida

3.28/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had on-tap at the pour house, poured into a pint glass.

A-Dark clouded amber, with a medium white head, that left a small amount of lacing.

S-The nose was rather weak for an APA, malts and caramel are the predominate smell with hop and slight citrus bringing up the rear

T-Essentially the same as the nose with a bit more hop bite to it than expected from such a weak nose, but nothing spectacular, the citrus is identified as orange with perhaps a bit of grapefruit. And there's a certain faint yeast taste to the finish.

M-Smooth and well carbonated

D-Overall a very drinkable beer. Not exactly the best example of an APA but still a good beer nonetheless.

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2011 05:28:40 | More by bboelens

EtOHMD

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at The Globe in Boston on XMas Eve procrastinating from shopping. This beer is a good diversion. Clear burnt orange color with reddish tints and thin white head. Decent lacing. Smells mainly pine. First sip was bad for some reason but rest was really good and kept getting better. Mild hops, resin, pine up front followed by refreshing mildly spicy (clove) citrus and apple. Excellent taste. Crisp smooth feel. Could go for a few but alas last minute shopping calls.

Serving type: on-tap

12-24-2010 20:21:13 | More by EtOHMD