Sierra Nevada Pale Ale:

My first taste of an American pale ale, This is supposed to be one of the best examples.  The website suggests the following stats:

• 5.6% ABV
• 37 IBU
• Magnum and Pearle bittering Hops
• Cascade aroma Hops
• Pale and Caramel malts

Appearance gives a light amber colour with a full off-white head with good retention.  The 350ml bottle I had had a visible sediment in the bottom confirming it had been bottle conditioned.  The carbonation was lively and visible, and I was expecting a gassy drink, but it was surprisingly light, just enough CO2 to enhance the flavour.

A great bitter hoppy taste, really pulls in your cheeks with it's astringency, Plenty of citrus fruit and it lasts for while after tasting.  The beer isn't too malty but it may just be competing against the hops in this instance. I would say a gentle sweetness.

A clean citrusy aroma was noticeable when pouring and this stayed for the duration of drinking.  The aroma helped to accentuate the bitterness and cleanness of the taste.

I think I will be keeping an eye out for other examples of this style, as I am intrigued to see whether it indeed is true to style and whether it survives the importing process well. Purchased at Tesco supermarket for approx £1.70