2015 Advent Beer Calendar: Mirror Pond Pale Ale by Deschutes Brewing
Editor’s note: This is the eighth in the Beer Advent Calendar 2015 series. Likewise, I’m going to be posting a beer review each day. Some will be Christmas or Winter ales and other selections will be beers I’ve been wanting to review for some time.
Today we’re looking at Mirror Pond Pale Ale, perhaps the most well known beer from Deschutes Brewing other than Black Butte Porter.
Named after Mirror Pond that winds through downtown Bend, Oregon, this pale ale is popular because it’s easy drinking and smooth. Mirror Pond Pale Ale is available widely in 6 packs of 12 oz bottles, 22 oz bombers and on draft.
What does it taste like?
Mirror Pond Pale Ale combines four different malts and Cascade hops to give it a unique taste. This beer pours a clear golden color that leaves little to no lacing on the glass.
When you first taste Mirror Pond, your tongue senses the gentle hoppy-ness first, which can be described as more floral than citrus. There’s a hint of pine on the palette to accompany the caramel aroma.
When I first started drinking Mirror Pond Pale Ale, I remember it being more hoppy. I estimate that Deschutes Brewing has toned down the hops to maximize this beer’s widespread appeal.
Should I buy it?
Yes. If you like a smooth drinking mildly hoppy pale ale that is plain tasting and goes down easy. If you want a more interestingly tasting beer with amped bitterness or malt complexity, then skip Mirror Pond Pale Ale.