Hopleaf Pale Ale is an English-style Pale Ale brewed by Simonds Farsons Cisk Plc., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tumbler from a can.
Appearance
The ale pours a crystal-clear golden orange and is topped by a finger-thick cap of white foam that shows modest retention. An aggressive pour will yield the best results. Patches of residue coat the sides of the glass and a thin film covers the liquid.
Aroma
Its aroma is malty with a scent of baked bread, nut, and occasionally a waft of toffee.
Flavor
Doughy bread leads the palate and gently rises to a mild bite of grassy hops and a light lemon juice. A mellowing sweetness of apricot undercuts the finish. Baked bread and an earthy tobacco flavor tie the palate together.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth with a medium body and medium-light carbonation.
Overall
The Hopleaf Pale Ale has a palate that tastes English but just isn’t as flavorful as better representations of the style. Worse still, its feel could use more carbonation as it falls flatly when the beer warms. On the plus side, it is a light and easy drinking brew. You won’t love this pale, but with limited options on Malta, you may not mind drinking it either.
The First of its Kind
The Hopleaf Pale Ale was the first ale brewed at the Farsons brewery and the first local ale brewed on Malta.