As the Labor Day weekend came to an end, I’m sure many students came to the harsh realization that another summer has come and gone. Goodbye beaches and Coronas, hello homework and flu season.

It’s not all gloom and doom, though. September marks the beginning of one of the best fall traditions out there: bonfire season. And what bonfire is complete without the perfect American pale ale?

Whether you’re camping in the Adirondacks with a roaring 10-foot flame warming your face, or huddled by the artificial fireplace your friend bought at Target last weekend, Uinta Brewing Company’s Wyld Extra Pale Ale is a perfect companion. This Salt Lake City brewing company has unleashed a wild brew that would make anyone sitting by a crackling fire perfectly pleased.

This organic ale advertises being best enjoyed in a glass, but I have to admit, I took a few swigs out of the bottle first, mainly because the rustically designed label with a tent emblazoned across the front made me feel pretty cool.

Right from the first sip, I noticed citrus flavors such as lemon and grapefruit, but they were somewhat overshadowed by the distinct smell of the pungent hops. Unlike some beers with citrus notes that taste crisp and refreshing, the lemon flavor in Wyld was more natural, reminding me of drinking an organic kale-based smoothie.

As I switched the brew into a glass, a light, cream-colored head formed around the rim. For a girl who doesn’t normally enjoy the bitterness that comes with hops, I actually found that they gave this beer a very earthy, clean taste.

Amazingly, the beer went down smoothly until the very last drop. I can’t say that I would prefer it to a crisp Land Shark Lager on a pool deck, but the natural hints of tanginess and zest did leave me pleasantly surprised.

Maybe it was the perfect contrast of citrus and hops that I enjoyed, or maybe it was simply that the rustic design of the bottle brought back memories of an almost-too-hot blaze warming my feet and hands after a long day of apple picking.

Either way, this Uinta Brewing Company beer opened my eyes to the world of pale ales. Living up to its slogan, “Earth, Wind and Beer,” the Wyld Extra Pale Ale packs a punch that will pair perfectly with the upcoming fall weather.

Published on September 4, 2014 at 12:01 am

Contact Hannah: hwredfie@syr.edu