Beer Tasting: CPA: Citra Pale Ale

Today's beer review is of CPA: Citra Pale Ale from Odd Side Ales.  Located on the west coast of Michigan in Grand Haven, Odd Side Ales opened their doors in 2010.  I have not seen this beer available in Western New York.  Lucky for me, many wonderful Michigan beers accompanied my brother-in-law during his last visit to Buffalo.  And I'm happy to be writing about CPA: Citra Pale Ale.

One of the most popular hops that beer drinkers enjoy is Citra hops (cone shown below) released by Hop Breeding Company in 2007.  Citra hops contain a fairly high alpha acid content, and thus this hop is predominantly used in crafting IPAs.  Brewed exclusively with Citra hops, CPA: Citra Pale Ale is the flagship beer of Odd Side Ales.

Here is a picture of my Odd Side Ales CPA: Citra Pale Ale:

Odd Side Ales: CPA: Citra Pale Ale

ABV: 5.75%

Style: American Pale Ale (APA)

Rating: 91/100 and #45 in style on Beeradvocate.com

CPA: Citra Pale Ale poured a slightly hazy pale orange with a long lasting creamy foam head that topped off the glass nicely.  The aroma of CPA: Citra Pale Ale is the predominant citrus and pine that Citra hops are known for.  CPA: Citra Pale Ale starts off sweet, followed by a cascade of fruit flavors including grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, and mango.  CPA: Citra Pale Ale leaves the palate with a pine taste and a dry crisp mouthfeel.  CPA: Citra Pale Ale is a very drinkable American Pale Ale.

Overall, this is great beer if you're looking to explore Citra hops.  You will be able to gather all the information you need about what Citra hops smell and taste like.  Odd Side Ales has done a good job matching up the correct malt for the job and the barley does not overpower the Citra hops. Instead, the caramel malts in CPA: Citra Pale Ale reinforce the citrus and floral flavors of the star of the show: Citra hops.