Small Block Brewing- Nail Head Canadian Pale Ale
Overview
- Brewery: Small Block Brewing Co.
- Beer Style: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.5%
- Format Reviewed: Can 473 ml
- Brewery Web Page: More info
Small Block Brewing- Nail Head Canadian Pale Ale Review
Located in Duncan BC, Small Block Brewing loves hot rod culture. This love can be seen not only in the brewery name but in all the branding, including the beer names and labels, as well as in the brewery which is decorated to look similar to a mechanics garage. A case in point is their Pale Ale, named after the 1950’s Buick V8 engine which has the nickname “Nailhead”.
This Pale Ale is copper with a medium off white head that lingers well. The aroma has a strong honey note with good interplay between malts and old school pine-like hops. It is full-bodied with some mouth coating and a touch of bitterness. The flavour is malt forward, specifically bready with a light honey sweetness. There are piney and earthy hops for balance. There is also quite a bit of fruit esters, likely a product of the yeast strain used. The Nail Head finishes well with a balanced maltiness and light bitterness.
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Appearance(3.75)
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Aroma(3.75)
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Palate(3.75)
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Flavour(3.5)
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Overall Enjoyment(3.75)
About This Beverage
- Colour: Copper
- Head Size & Retention: Normal head + retention
- Carbonation: Well Carbonated
- Clarity: Slight Haze
- Balance: More Malty
- Drinkability: Definitely Drinkable
- Enjoyment: I thought it was fine
- Malt Characteristics: Biscuity/Bready
- Hop Characteristics: Earthy
- Palate: Full Bodied
Summary
This Canadian Pale Ale leans towards the malty and even the slightly sweet with some hops and bitterness for balance.
Pros
Lots of character.
Not boring.
Fans of English style ales will likely enjoy.
Cons
May be close to the edge of acceptable sweetness level.
