It has been long time since I have homebrewed, and even, longer since I tasted a good homebrew. Tonight, I opened a bottle of my Smoked Chili Pale Ale. It is nice to hear that carbonation sound as the cap pulled away from the bottle. It was made with Cascade hops that I picked last autumn. It has a very grapefruit quality and a sharp hop bite. This quality should mellow with more aging. The recipe can be found in this blog entry.

Smoked Chili Pale Ale Particulars

5.5% ABV
Smoked, pale, and crystal 40 malts and flaked oats
Cascade hops
Smoked jalapeños added to wort.

Smoked Chili Pale Ale Notes

Appearance: Poured a deep amber with very fluffy white head (thanks to the oats). The head retention is ridiculous.

Aroma: Lots of grapefruit and pine resin.

Mouthfeel: I wish the carbonation level was a tad higher

Taste: Some classic Cascade flavors here: grapefruit and resin. There is a slight pepper bite. The smoke is hardly noticeable.

Overall: I always love my homebrew, so for me to make an honest evaluation is impossible. But hell, I like my homebrew.