The Northwest is full of them, hops. And where there is Hops there are of course, Hop-heads. These lovers of the lupulin, can't help themselves. If it's not bitter and sweet, they want nothing of it. But what about those days when you've just taken a long walk around the lake or mowed the lawn, after pulling weeds? What do you have then? Although an India Pale Ale might sound good sometimes that bitterness can overpower that vacant palate.

Enter the Pale Ale. To most people they would just assume consume a light lager than suck down one of these semi-bitter beauties. Not the hop-head. To us the Pale Ale is our 'lawnmower beer'. And to celebrate this we reviewed a local breweries take on the American-style Pale Ale in Fremont Universale Pale Ale.

Suggested Guidelines for an American-style Pale Ale from the Brewers Association

American pale ales range from deep golden to copper in color. The style is characterized by fruity, floral and citrus-like American-variety hop character producing medium to medium-high hop bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Note that the ―traditional style of this beer has its origins with certain floral, fruity and citrus-like American hop varietals. One or more of these hop characters is the perceived end, but may be a result of the skillful use of hops of other national origins. American pale ales have medium body and low to medium maltiness. Low caramel character is allowable. Fruity-ester flavor and aroma should be moderate to strong. Diacetyl should be absent or present at very low levels. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperature.

Brewery Description

Fremont is the self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe” and Universale, our flagship product, honors the namesake of our unique location. Universale Pale Ale offers a distinctive Northwest twist on the classic pale ale, using a select blend of pale roasted malt and Old World malts balanced with classic Northwest hops to achieve a heavenly beer of rich malt flavor and hop spice. This is beer. Enjoy.

Down and Dirty: 2-row barley, crystal malt, melanoidin, aromatic malt, Columbus, Centennial and Cascade hops. 5.6% ABV

Fremont Universeale pours amber & clear as it emerges from its 22 ounce vessel. As this Pale Ale settles an initial strong white foamy cap forms on the surface. Over time and as the beer warms up the cap slowly turns into a tattered borough before we take our first sniff.

Think tropical as you inhale your first initial sniff. With bits of pineapple and orange citrus, you might think you could drink this on the beach. However as your nose begins to adjust you also pick up hints of caramel, and a floral-like aroma of fresh cut grass.

Taking the firs sip you are initial greeted by orange citrus and caramel sweetness before a  strong finish with bits of pineapple comes to mind. Overall this beer does not stick around long in your mouth once it's gone, which makes one consider what life would be like with two or three of these in ya.

Our Thoughts
You Should Try It. Overall this Pale Ale from one of the areas newer breweries demonstrates that even a beer not from Chico, CA can refresh the palate after time spent out mowing the lawn, tearing up weeds, or staying indoors while the rain washes your enthusiasm away.

Feeling a bit peckish? Try this with a club sandwhich or chef’s salad with some semi-sharp cheese.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/20680/51503
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/fremont-universale-pale-ale/104575/

Cheers

About the photo’s author
Paul “Fruit Trees” Orchard, is an amateur craft beer enthusiast and amateur photographer. Throughout the many years in craft beer he is always carrying a camera (smartphone, digital, traditional) and is invites you to see that beer can also be exciting even if you can’t drink the photo.

In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.