Golden Hued from Humbolt

The Fourth of July offers the chance for all Americans to spend time with family and friends as well as fire up the BBQ and celebrate the freedoms we all share. For most, this is tradition. To me, the American tradition is inexorably intertwined with brewing, a craft that existed before our country existed. Our nation's credo is "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", and when I think of this, I am reminded of what our founding father Ben Franklin said: "Beer is proof that God wants us to be happy."

So, who am I to usurp such deep rooted tradition? For this Fourth, trying anything but an American made beer seemed like blasphemy and quite possibly treasonous. I decided on Mad River Brewing Co.'s "Steelhead Extra Pale Ale". Hailing from Humboldt County, a haven for California craft brew, it serves at 5.6% abv, appropriate for a summer afternoon by the pool. Taste was nothing but spectacular and did not boast a heavy body, maintaining itself as modest beer (something I would not expect to come out of Humboldt, an area of California that holds a reputation of anything BUT modesty). Steelhead carried a hoppy aroma, not too strong however, which surprised me seeing as Northern California is well suited for cultivating the hop vine (as well as its more infamous cousin). Crisp, refreshing and moderately bitter going down.

By the way, this flavorful sensation I experienced Ale happened after I discovered it won the gold medal at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival. No where did I see this award printed anywhere on its packaging or bottles, nor did I see it listed on their website, say for it mentioned once in the Brewery's history. Very modest indeed. Brew Master Bob Smith will let his work speak for itself.

What caught my eye was Steelhead's coloration. I could not take my eyes off its golden hue and had to remind myself to sip the pint glass every so often. It seemed as though it had the looks of a Belgian wit ale, fooling most, labels aside. This feature makes Steelhead's Extra Pale Ale even more distinct among its place in the beer world.

Mad River Brewing left me on our day of independence as a happy beer geek. I recommend the Extra Pale Ale on such occasions, relaxing and enjoying the holiday with those who you are close to. Such a magnificent beer deserves no less.