Burning River Pale Ale

Set on the shores of Lake Erie and situated just across the street from the famed Westside Market, Cleveland’s own Great Lakes Brewing Company has been bringing the beer since 1988. These days they produce over 100,000 barrels annually and continue to deliver the goods with a star-studded lineup, including the multiple-award-winning Burning River Pale Ale. Deriving color from a blend of Crystal malts, Burning River pours an almost glossy golden, with faint hints of copper presided over by a meringue-like, pale yellow head. Pleasantly fragrant, this brew oozes perfumey pine and luscious orange aromas with a whiff of caramelly sweetness crouching underneath it all. Nick heaped kudos on the tamarind-tinged character and its deft give-and-take with the nuanced malt character, while Tom commented on the malt’s “dark whole wheat bread” aroma. A true American pale ale, Burning River showcases a firm malt base, causing Tim to comment on its “barley flavor, with a backbone of grainy and caramel notes.” Although favoring malt flavors, this beer is not coy when it comes to hops, boasting a respectable 45 IBUs to keep the malt at bay, as well as enticingly spicy and floral hop flavors. It’s not a terrible stretch to believe that Burning River was created specifically to enjoy at an Indians game, and it’s most certainly true that it is perfectly suited for any ball game, anywhere.