Years ago, before “beer knowledge” was added to my list of geeky obsessions, I struggled to remember the difference between pale lagers and pale ales. To some extent, they look the same, but they really share very little else in common.
Pale lagers are the beers that still dominate most markets. Pale ales grew out of the English tradition for cask bitters, and historically have been slightly stronger bottled versions of bitters. In North America, where home consumption is the default (rather than pints in a pub), American-style pale ales are the banner-carriers for the craft beer movement. One of Nickel Brook’s recent releases, Naughty Neighbour APA, pays homage to this flourishing tradition.
This APA pours a bright gold with a touch of haze, and it has a just off-white head that quickly dissipates. Wet pine needles, prickly spice and vibrant citrus peel dominate the aroma. The first sip continues on that theme of bright hop characteristics with a restrained bitterness and a barely-there backbone of maltiness. Naughty Neighbour finishes on a dry crisp note.
At only 4.9 per cent alcohol and with all of those bright and refreshing flavors, this beer sits at the end of the pale-ale spectrum that is opposite to hop-bomb IPA’s (like Nickel Brook’s own Headstock IPA). In other words, Naughty Neighbour is a sessionable pale ale and it makes good sense that it comes in a six pack.
Bright citrus flavors and a touch of refreshing bitterness also make this beer a great one for pairing with full-flavored food. I like it especially with curries – either Indian or Thai. Because it is relatively low in alcohol, it will calm the spicy heat from chilis.
In an ironic twist of fate, American pale ales are generally much better partners for the local cuisine than those fizzy pale lagers that are brewed in India and Thailand.
Nickel Brook Brewery Naughty Neighbour APA, $12.25 for 6 x 355 mL bottles, LCBO #339416
In addition to covering beer, new restaurants and food trucks for Post City, David Ort writes about food and drink for several Toronto publications including his own site, Food With Legs. He is also the author of the upcoming Canadian Craft Beer Cookbook. For more of his thoughts on food, beer and life in general, follow him on Twitter or get in touch at info@foodwithlegs.com.