LongShot Grape Pale Ale
Number two of two for the '07 LongShots, the Grape Pale Ale pours a slightly hazy orange bronze with a bright, soapy, pearl head. The foam recedes quickly and leaves some very modest lace. Average at best in the appearance department. Lots of pale malt and orange blossom honey. A slightly vinous quality is present along with a somewhat dim, but still spicy hop character. Rather mild and subtle. Certainly a nice aroma. Sweet caramel and pale malts jump out initially. A mild dryness upfront leads to the familiar vinous character. Some more spicy hops, buttery grain, and surprisingly there is a mildly detectable booze character despite the modest ABV. Lots more honey and some orange. I suppose I may be picking up a bit of the 'fresh green grape' but I expect its because I'm searching for it. In fact I'd challenge anyone to identify green grape in the flavor without reading the label. If you can, then I'm impressed. There is certainly a semi-dry vinous character, like a white wine spritzer of sorts, but as for namesake I'm a bit skeptical. Crisp and semi-dry with a bright buttery feel. The moderate to higher carbonation along with the spicy hops allow for a rather boisterous, almost fresher texture. The modest ABV creates decent drinkability. Not bad, but not great either. Probably my least favorite of the LongShots to-date.