Pete’s Wicked Ale

By John on April 15, 2007 @ 7 PM (No Comments)

Pete’s Wicked Ale is touted on Pete’s Wicked web site as “USA’s Number 1 American Brown Ale – the hip and stylish alternative to typical stodgy craft beers.” After obtaining a six-pack and test driving it over the course of a few weeks I’ll have to admit it’s a damn strong American brew. It’s brewed by Pete’s Brewing Company in Utica, New York and is relatively new to the beer world, starting up in 1986.

The pour is very nice – a large foamy slightly off white head that piles up in the glass. It hangs around for a little bit before dissipating quickly. The color is a nice solid brown with deep red tones. It’s a handsome looking brew. The smell is strong with roasted malts (either caramel or biscuit) and a faint aroma of floral hops.

The taste is very good, it’s a little sweet but not in-your-face about it. It’s also a little bitter but you hardly notice. The malts and the hops are almost in perfect harmony. The taste is also slightly nutty with some caramel and floral flavors as well. The mouthfeel is good with some carbonation to bubble it up a bit. The taste sets you up for what you think might be a bitter finish but the finish is incredibly smooth. This would be a great beer with food – hamburgers and fries would probably complement it nicely. I really wouldn’t mind if they went a little bolder on the taste – really give it some personality. Think Sam Adams – another great “food beer.”

All in all it really is very drinkable and should have no trouble making it into the rotation as a change of pace beer.