Farsons India Pale Ale is an English-style IPA brewed by Simonds Farsons Cisk Plc., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tumbler from a bottle.

Appearance

The ale pours a crystal clear marigold and is topped by a finger-thick cap of dense, off-white foam that vanishes almost immediately. The reduction doesn’t leave behind any lace or residue.

Aroma

The aroma is predominantly malty with a scent of caramel. It’s backed ever so slightly by a hint of floral hops.

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Flavor

Bready malt leads the palate to a mild bite of floral and peppery hops. That mild bitterness is mellowed with a sticky sweet caramel. A taste of leather and bread make up the base.

Mouthfeel

The feel has a medium body and a little over moderate carbonation. It’s oily on the front and chewy on the back with a sweetness that becomes cloying.

Overall

If you’ve tried their Hopleaf Pale Ale, the taste is very similar. But the flavors of the Farsons India Pale Ale have greater intensity and its feel has more carbonation. Even so, this brew still doesn’t smell or taste quite like an IPA. In fact, this brew ought to replace their Hopleaf Pale Ale and a new recipe should be created for the IPA.

The Farsons India Pale Ale is still a palatable brew. And so if you’re on the island of Malta and craving a Pale Ale, instead of going for the Hopleaf, try this brew instead. But if you’re really craving a hoppy IPA, look for the San Blas IPA by Gozitan brewery Lord Chambray.