Summit - Extra Pale Ale

Tonight I'll be going back to the basics with this EPA from Summit.  This was their "first-born child" - the beer that started it all, and their flagship since the brewery was founded in 1986.  This beer is well-known in the Twin Cities and across the upper midwest for it's flavor and drinkability.

Summit EPA is a 5.1%ABV brew hopped with a combination of Horizon, Fuggle, and Cascade.  The beer is an amber color with a bright white, fluffy layer of head.  The nose is a mild, slightly piney hop.  That is shoved aside by the sweet, buttered, honey bread malts.  This beer smells inviting.  The taste starts off with some hop bitterness, lemon zest and a hint of pine.  Then come those sweet biscuits, no honey in there, but definitely a sweet maltiness that is prominent midway through the drink.  The finish brings back a reminder of the hops, with a slight citrus bite that refreshes the palate.  The body is medium, with fairly high carbonation that gives it more of a dry, light mouthfeel.

Overall Rating:  (4.0 out of 6.0)   I've always enjoyed Summit's EPA, both in the bottle and on draft.  It's a light and flavorful pale ale that should be a staple in every Minnesotans' refridgerator, especially during the summer months. 

**Side Note:  As the beer warmed, I noticed a slight metallic, tinny flavor that wasn't too pleasant.  Serve cold, drink fast!