February 8, 2013 – Left Hand Brewing Company Stranger American Pale Ale

Don’t make this beer a stranger to your fridge.

Well, the honeymoon had to end sometime – after drinking two world class, legendary beers together last night, I tried to let my taste buds down gently with a Stranger American Pale Ale by Left Hand Brewing. I’m a pretty big fan of Left Hand, who’ll be at Brewz Crewz in Lakeland next weekend, so I knew I was going to have a quality beer, if not as good as what I’d had last night. The Stranger didn’t disappoint.

It pours a nice orange color, and features a modest, quickly dissipating head. The nose is quite subdued, with toasted bread and caramel as the dominant notes. The taste is much the same with dashes of lemon and orange throughout, enough to complement but not overwhelm the flavor, and is quite drinkable. It goes down very smooth, especially for a pale ale, and is not bitter like many IPAs or some pale ales are.

I was glad to drink this one tonight because as I mentioned, Left Hand will be at Brewz Crewz next weekend, which I’ll happily be attending. In fact, if you keep your eyes keenly on the blog and on our Facebook page tomorrow, I might – just might – offer a contest where you can join me as a VIP. Stay tuned dear readers, and I hope your Friday night is filled with fun.