Beer Guide #7: Sonoma Pale Ale from Track Brewing Co.
Track Brewing Co, Sonoma Pale Ale, 3.8%
Welcome back our weekly Knutsford Beer Festival review spotlight. This time we ponder a little: Craft beer and real ale - is there a clear distinction between them? And if so, where do you draw the line? There's no easy answer for that but if there's a beer that bridges the gap it's Track Brewing Co's Sonoma on cask - one of Knutsford Beer Festival curator Ben Selby's favourites. I recently got to chat to Track's founder Sam Dyson and sales and events manager Stefan Melbourne about this. They say,
“When conditioned right - it is how the smooth cask finish complements the hoppiness and zingy citrus notes that make it a 'super drinkable' favourite among the 'old guard' to craft beer fanatics alike.”
Ben is hoping to pull some strings to get a cask for the festival, so you can see what you think for yourself.
Rhubarb & Custard in a can!
The Brewery
TRACK BREWING CO, MANCHESTER
Sam Dyson was inspired to launch Track after a trip to visit his uncle in San Francisco 12 years ago turned into a cycling odyssey of travel and adventure and beer. It started off with a hunger to see the world but that hunger soon became a thirst when he discovered the joys of American IPAs like Russian River's Pliny the Elder and New Belgium's Fat Tire while cycling from Virginia through Washington state then the Rockies and the coast down to San Francisco. He continued to travel by bike in South America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe and tens of thousands of miles later he was inspired to open his own hop-forward brewery just as the Manchester craft scene was about to explode. Five years since then, Track has a reputation for its consistently exceptional beer. Track is also known for its many collaborations with some of the world's best breweries like Other Half.
Track Brewing Co’s Sonoma Pale Ale
The Beer
sonoma pale ale, 3.8%
We've already talked a little about this beer's strengths so I'll simply reiterate how beautifully balanced and drinkable it is. It's malty, biscuity but also light, crisp and hoppy with lingering citrus notes. A slightly peppery and dank finish keeps you coming back for more.
See the full range of beers and find out more about this Manchester brewery online: Tack Brewing Co.
Co-Authors:
David Morgan - craft beer lover and creator of ‘Hop to it Beer Club’.
Benjamin Selby - craft beer nut and beer curator for the Knutsford Beer Festival.