Trail Ride is an American Pale Ale by Laughing Dog Brewing that’s dominated by floral, herbal, and citrus hops and balanced by toast and caramel.

Share This Review

Trail Ride is an American Pale Ale brewed by Laughing Dog Brewing, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tulip pint glass from a 12 oz. can.

What You Need to Know

The Trail Ride is a sessionable brew packed with a trio of hops whose light IBU count belies this Laughing Dog’s big bite. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.

Appearance

The Pale Ale pours a cloudy deep copper hue and is topped by an inch thick cap of soapy, bone-white foam that shows modest retention. The head’s reduction leaves behind a thin ring of bubbles.

Check Out the Latest News Article

Almanac Beer Co. released its first batch of Strawberry Sournova — a bright, tart, and astronomically fruity, making it perfect for sipping on a summer day. Read More

Aroma

The aroma isn’t particularly strong but wafts the nose with a lovely scent of pine and floral hops. A hint of toasted bread is detected as the beer warms.

Flavor

The palate is led by a taste of orange citrus blended with lightly toasted bread. The tasting crests to a hoppy bite that’s floral, herbal, and even has a light citrus. Beneath the hops is a sweet and mellow undercurrent of caramel to lightly balance the bitterness.

Label art for the Trail Ride by Laughing Dog Brewing

Label art for the Trail Ride by Laughing Dog Brewing

Mouthfeel

The ale has a smooth body with a body with a medium body and a shade-over-moderate carbonation. Its finish is relatively dry and is moderately astringent.

Overall

The appearance of the Trail Ride isn’t particularly impressive but that can be overlooked. While the aroma is pleasant it’s fairly weak and doesn’t last for very long. The palate and feel will certainly appease the hopheads. A slight malt backbone makes the brew’s balance closer to that of an IPA than a Pale Ale.

Overall, the Trail Ride is a brew that’s best consumed cold and immediate. It’s not bad for a session beer but there are certainly better options out there.

Have You Tried the Trail Ride?

What did you think? Give a rating, share your opinion in the comments below, or add a link to your own offsite review.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Latest Craft Beer News

Beer Lab HI Releases “Chai Yo” Belgian-style Blond Ale

The latest limited release from Beer Lab HI, the “Chai Yo, Thai Tea & Milk Sugar Ale”, a Belgian-style Blond Ale, is now available from the Honolulu-based brewery. Read More

Bell’s Brewery to Auction Two Hearted Ale Hockey Jerseys to Benefit Local Organizations

Bell’s Brewery, Inc. and Kalamazoo Wings have teamed up to support two local organizations with a special, limited edition Two Hearted hockey jersey auction. Read More

Upper Hand Brewery Expands Distribution to Michigan’s Mitten

Upper Hand Brewery will end its drought of availability below the Mackinac Bridge with the distribution of its beer to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula this Fall. Read More