Beer of the Weekend #478: Alaskan Freeride APA

The beer on this beautiful Fourth Eve is Alaskan Freeride APA, brewed by the Alaskan Brewing Company of Juneau, Alaska.


Serving type: 12-ounce bottle. “071913” is printed on the label, and I assume that is a freshness date.

Appearance: Poured into a pint glass. Two fingers of buttery, eggshell-colored head settles slowly, leaving an even skim and ring around the edge. The color is a hazy, pale amber.

Smell: There is a ton of grapefruit and tangerine right off the bat. It is a touch catty, too, and there are musty, pale malts. The overall impression, though, is invigorating citrus.

Taste: It has a full-bodied, dry mouthfeel and the beer packs a nice, tasty punch. The grapefruit and tangerine citrus are present but are quite muted compared to the smell. They are, however, omnipresent and complemented by lemon zest; they even linger on the taste buds after each sip. Musty pale malts and caramel play supporting roles.

Drinkability: This is very drinkable, tasty stuff. It is refreshing and not too heavy.

Fun facts about AFAPA:

-Style: American Pale Ale.

-Price: $1.69/bottle at Otto’s Elm Grove Liquor’s in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.

-Serving temperature: 40-45ºF.

-Alcohol content: 5.3 percent ABV.

-Food pairings: According to the beer’s webpage, “Freeride APA pairs well with gourmet pub fare, especially a BLTA or club sandwich with peppered bacon, a spicy chicken quesadilla, or freshly battered Alaska halibut and chips.”

-IBU: 40.

-Color: 14 SRM.


The Quiet Man’s grade: B.

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