Beer pick of the week: Red Brick Peachtree Pale Ale
August 19th, 2009 by Jeff Holland in Restaurants
Atlanta Brewing Company
Atlanta, GA
5.5% ABV
Atlanta Brewing Company has really been improving their product lately, and they should make a point of saying so. Lots of people have preconceived notions of their beer, and if you haven’t had one lately, they are worth revisiting.
Peachtree Pale Ale pours a hazy, burnished gold, with an off-white fluffy head that leaves some nice lacing. Citrusy and floral hops dominate the aroma, with some caramel malt in the background. The taste is hop-forward, with a strong grapefruit rind bitterness upfront from the Cascade hops, juicy citrus in the middle, and spicy dryness in the finish. A coarse graininess in the toasted malts and solid carbonation contribute to a moderately prickly mouthfeel. Medium bodied with a very faint caramel sweetness. There’s a borderline aspirin-like bitterness in the aftertaste. A bright pale ale that borders on an IPA, Peachtree Pale Ale is a fine session beer and well-suited to summer quaffing.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Very true about the improvements in Peachtree Pale Ale and I’m glad you’ve pointed it out. When I first tried this brew years ago I thought it was OK but nothing I would seek out. The currently quality of it, though, is great and it’s become one of my favorite pale ales.
On the flip side, I noticed that the last time I bought a pack of their Blond I was disappointed with it though I enjoyed it previously. I wonder if the recipe changed or if it was just mishandled in the store somehow.
I don’t think I’ve ever had this pale ale on draft. Taco Mac probably has it, but I’m not a fan of their food menu. Know of a good place intown to get this brew on draft?
August 20th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Intriguing, Jeff. I also had this beer about 5 years ago (from a bottle) and has not had it since — that’s how bad it was.
How old was the bottle you had it from? And, as Darin duly inquired, do you know where it’s served in tap (besides the brewery of course)?
August 21st, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I would agree that Taco Mac is the best bet for finding P’tree Pale Ale on tap, although you might be frustrated if you just show up at one, since the selection varies from store to store. I would contact the brewery, and they could at least point you to the person who would know.
As far as know, the beer I had was fresh.