Beer Stats:

Packaging: 12 oz. can

BJCP Style:  American Pale Ale

ABV:  5.3%

Hops Variety:  Cascade, Mt. Hood

Malts Variety: 2 Row Pale, Munich, Malted Wheat, Flaked Barley

Brewery:  Terrapin Beer Co. – Athens, GA

Beer Connoisseur Rating:  None

LUDB Notes:

Bitterness Level: Restrained

• Drinkability:
  • Would I purchase again? Yes
  • Would I stock it? Yes
• Comments/Characteristics: Only available in Georgia.  Light refreshing summer time beer which comes in cans – perfect for your summer/early fall outings.

Due to draconian beer sales laws that only recently opened up, the State of Georgia has been slow to ramp up the number of craft breweries within its boarders.  The oldest craft brewery in Georgia is the Atlanta Brewing Company (formerly Red Brick Brewing) which was established in 1993.  Terrapin Beer Co. (which is technically no longer considered a craft brewery due to its ownership stake by MillerCoors), started in 2002, is one of the five oldest.  Terrapin got off to a fast start by winning the gold medal in the American Pale Ale category for their Rye Pale Ale at the Great American Beer Festival in 2002.   Like most craft breweries, it didn’t take them long to plunge head first into the hoppy beer market.  They introduced Hopsecutioner IPA. which weighs in at 71 IBU, in 2009 with great success.  Despite the influences of being owned by Big Beer, they still turn out quality products from their facility in Athens, GA.  For this review, I though I would try their lesser know, but unique Terrapin Golden Ale. 

Terrapin Golden Ale is an American Cream Ale that is only available in the state of Georgia.  It pours clean and clear with a pale golden tint.  It develops a nice thick white head with big bubbles that dissipate in about a minute.  Mt. Hood and Cascade hops combine to give it nice mild, grassy and citrus aromas.  The Cascade provides noticeable, yet restrained bitterness which allows a grainy malt taste to come through.  Just enough sweetness to pair well with the hops and allow for a crisp, clean medium dry finish.

Bottom line:  Terrapin Golden Ale is a well crafted pale ale that checks all the boxes for the category.  Very low bitterness, which keeps it refreshing, but has enough to keep things interesting.  Great summer time beer that pairs well with light foods and cookout foods.

Thanks for reading and until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!