For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be sampling the Abita Restoration Pale Ale, which comes to us from the Abita Brewing Company located in Abita Springs, Louisiana. 

Like most, I really enjoy a good and solid Pale Ale, so I’m hoping this one doesn’t disappoint. 

Let’s read up on this beer from the website, abita.com.

Restoration Pale Ale is made with Pale, Lager, Crystal and Cara Pils malted barley. It is liberally hopped and dry hopped with American Cascade and fermented with California Ale yeast. The end result is a brilliant gold ale with a rich body, mild bitterness and a snappy fresh citrus hop flavor and aroma.

Ok.  Let’s give it a pour, smell and taste.

This brew has an ABV of 5.0% and it comes in a 12 oz. bottle.

The Restoration Pale Ale poured a pale orange to amber color with some burnt orange and yellow highlights shimmering around the edges.  It looked quite hazy with a bit of sediment floating throughout.  The cap was off white, soft and fluffy.  It was nicely sized with a pretty good retention time and adequate lacing.  Not bad at all on the appearance. 

The aroma began with some sweet smelling caramel malts.  It also seemed to have a distinction of slightly toasted breads and butter.  Very light hints of fruit along the lines of mild peaches and apples.  The bouquet seemed to be balanced fairly well, however it was nothing too strong or pungent.  Rather relaxed and easy going. 

The taste was similar to the aroma in that the caramel malts, toasted breads and butter came through first.  As I dug a bit deeper, I started to noticed a hint or two of grain and maybe some grassy hops.  Very light peach notes added just a touch more sweetness.  Once again, I thought it was well balanced and even, although still just a bit on the mild side.

The mouthfeel was medium to medium/thin.  A touch watery, but smooth and crisp with a little bit of snap.  Could be relatively refreshing during the warmer months for sure.  Not a whole lot of flavor was left behind on the palate though.

Well, this beer is ok.  It’s easily drinkable and would make for a great session brew.  It’s not too robust or overly complex, but it still has enough flavor and character to make for a pretty enjoyable drinking experience.  To tell the truth, it reminded me quite a bit of an English Pale Ale or an ESB.  I would have no problem drinking another.  I also think that this could be a brew to have around when serving dinner to a bunch of friends.  It’s not the world’s greatest Pale Ale, but it is a solid beer that one wouldn’t have to think about too much while enjoying a good meal.

Have you guys ever tried the Abita Restoration Pale Ale?  If so, what did you think of it?

Feel free to leave a comment if you wish.

Thanks for reading guys.  Until next time.

Cheers.

Score:  3.6 out of 5
Grade:  B