North Carolina Pale ale

by Matt Lyman
(Beer Delegate, NC, USA)

North Carolina Pale ale. Does anybody have a positive experience with this beer to report? Please comment below

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Being a North Carolinian, I was pretty excited to check out a local brew. Through Google, I found the Carolina Brewing Company and in turn found out they brew North Carolina Pale ale.

Upon first examination, it has a pleasing amber color with a full, creamy head. First drink, not good. Really. Not good.

I know the name is Pale ale, but it's really more of an Amber. I am a lover of darker beers, but I couldn't choke down a pint of Carolina Pale Ale. I took three drinks and sent it back for a Magic Hat #9.

I was too bitter, with an overbearing aftertaste that wasn't sweet or sour or dry or fruity. It was rancid. I expect a bit of a kick in the aftertaste of a good beer, but it should give way to a smooth enjoyable flavor. This unfortunately did not.

If anyone has a positive experience with this beer, please let me know by adding to the comments. I am willing to admit if I've had a bad batch. Anything is possible. I'm going to give it another shot, because I'd love to find a local beer that can lead the NC charge.

Comments for
North Carolina Pale ale

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Oct 07, 2009
Rating

Classic pale ale
by: Anonymous

This is the beer I miss the most since my move away from NC. Its my favorite beer and the best example of what a Pale Ale should be, a instant classic from the first sip.

Amber in color, with a medium head. This beer is best drank from the tap. No fruity flavor....and there shouldn't be in a pale ale!

Aug 03, 2009
Rating

Majic hat is not PA or IPA
by: Mike

First of all you are comparing a PA to a beer that adds fruit. This is not fare. If you wish to
make a comment on Carolina PA or IPA. Please make an accurate comparison. The nice thing about the Carolina ale is cold or warm, and I like to the warm side, it is a great beer. The boy's Holly springs should be commended on their hard work.

Nov 28, 2008
Rating

good beer
by: Josef

I am from germany, and I am very critical regarding american beer. I have stayed 3 years in NC. And I learned drinking the NC Pale Ale. After the 3 years the NC Pale Ale was the most drunken local beer. I liked the taste very much. Maybe not with the first pint, but finaly I got it. Where I found why I like this beer so much is that it even tastes when not cooled done. When coming home from work, I liked to drink a beer, but unfortunately I had to take it from the garage and I wanted not to wait for beeing cooled. But I liked it even then. Lots of beers are only drinkable when close to freezing.