Deschutes Red Chair NWPA

Deschutes Red Chair NWPA Northwest Pale Ale, Courageously crafted since 1988, Deschutes Brewery, For Fellow Explorers Everywhere. Witness the subtle aromatic seduction of the debut Northwest Pale Ale. Another Slap at Brewing Convention. Another Kick in the pants. ENJOY."

Wait, there's more: "Not up for a full-on hop assault? Red Chair NWPA is a smoother ride. Seven select European and domestic malts take a surprisingly plush satin turn on the way to a citrusy hop kick. Edges out, layers in."

Huh. Okay. Interesting. This is how they market a pale ale to hop freaks, who normally only stop for double IPAs. Let's look at it.

Clear, pale orange to copper appearance. Lean layer of creamy-toned lace-leaving froth atop.

Aroma: Explosion of soft citrus and pine in the nose, slightly sweet. Bitterness held in check by rich, toasty malt. Nice.

Taste: Caramel malt hits the tongue first, plush, indeed, smooth, for sure. Toasty, like I said, and utterly pleasant. Easy going in, and then, wouldn't you know, along come the hops, bouncing on the palate. A masterful marriage of hops and malt, evenly carbonated, medium-bodied, at 6.2 % ABV, not a terrific threat to my sobriety, if I maintain a modicum of moderation.

Serious yum going on, here. Plenty of tastiness, good censurability. They've got a hit on their hands.