Green Bench Happy Hermit International Pale Ale

Green Bench Happy Hermit International Pale Ale is an American Pale Ale, 4.9% ABV, no package date. Brewed in honor of Silas Dent, a one of a kind character from the St. Pete region. I’m not sure what makes this beer international.

The pour is nearly crystal clear, maybe just the slightest bit of haze, and has a big pillowy off white head. The aroma is heavy on the tropical fruit notes with some big mango and pineapple. Mild pine, floral hops, and a little doughy malt are present on the nose as well. Pleasant smelling Pale Ale. The taste has some grapefruit and a little orange citrus, but it lacks the big fruity elements from the aroma. The malt bill shifts from doughy to more cracker like on the palate, while the hops have more of a resinous pine that mixes with the before mentioned citrus. The finish is rather dry and a little bitter, while the mouth-feel comes off a touch thin even for a beer under 5% ABV.

This is drinking a bit more like a Session IPA than a Pale Ale to me. Maybe that is what International Pale Ale means? In any case, this would be an excellent summer beer. I’d be happy to have a cooler of this while sitting at the beach.