Size isn't everything, some guys like being small
Written: Aug 04 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A nice comfortable, and easy drinking pale ale
Cons: Only available in the Northwest
The Bottom Line: A decent pale ale that's representative of west coast microbrewed versions. Easy drinking and enjoyable. Give it a try, or try your locally microbrewed beers.
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| andaryl's Full Review: Lagunitas Dog Town Pale Ale |
Whereas most of my beer-buying decisions are based on background knowledge, reliable information or the reputation of the brewer, my stepdaughter has a habit of picking out beers with pictures of dogs on them. This is how I came across Lagunitas Dog Town Pale Ale.
This is a brewery based in Petaluma, Northern California. I read a press article from 1998 that stated, “85% of Lagunitas Brewing Company's beer is sold throughout the Bay Area to local pubs and restaurants; the remaining 15 percent can be found in 240 Safeway stores in Northern California.” The head brewer also stated, "We would consider it a huge failure if our beer had to travel 1,000 miles. Small is the true nature of the business." Distribution has more recently expanded to Oregon and Washington, but it may be some time before beer drinkers elsewhere see these brews.
I was lucky to get mine from my wife’s recent travel up north.
Dog Town Pale Ale – “Doggone Good”
The label states:
“Brewed in a bizarre old world tradition using only water, hops, yeast, and malted barley. [no doubt a dig at the bigger USA breweries] No dogs were harmed during the Dog Town Pale Ale Brewing Process.”
Tasting Notes
22oz bottle
Dog Town Pale Ale pours to a pale amber color, slight hazy, and light in body. There’s a good level of carbonation as well as a firm white foam.
The nose is fresh and noticeably sweet and malty, with suggestions of caramel, while there’s also a good hop balance evident.
It carries a firm but fairly light and easy palate, with something of an English Bitter mouthfeel and a little carbonation.
The malt is instantly noticeable; it’s even a little sugary or candy-like at the tip. There’s a biscuity, caramel malt in the middle but to a lesser extent than I would have expected. The hops bite in fairly early, although the malt does hold up well throughout striking up a good balance, while there’s a good tangy citrus that gives a slightly sharp, prickly finish.
The aftertaste is pretty mellow as the tang subdues and the caramel or toffee notes reassert themselves a little without really dominating.
Verdict
This is a nice satisfying pale ale It’s nothing new or dramatic, pretty typical of what many microbrewers are producing here on the west coast. It’s very well balanced, enjoyable and reliable although it could use a little more depth in malt. If you enjoy pale ales and get the chance, you should give this one a try. Even if you can’t get a hold of this in your area, you should take note of the brewers commitment to staying small and local, and maybe check out a few of the beers that are local to your area.
Price
In the same press release I referred to earlier, the brewer also stated his intention of brewing a beer that was affordable. I would guess with that intention in mind that the 22oz bottle would cost around $1.99, while a 6-pack would probably be priced at $5.99. At that price this beer would be extremely easy to recommend.
Food
I would go some kind of sweet meat such as pork, maybe even pork scratchings (back to the English memories). I would also suggest a pizza topped with Italian sausage and caramelized onions.
Recommended:
Yes
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andaryl
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Member: Andrew Smith
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