Fedra – Genuine Italian Craft Beer – Apa Craft Italian Beers
This beer derives from British pale ale, but using American ingredients. The first of them is hops, most notably Cascade for its quality. Like all things American, it must be exaggerated.
It’s similar to an IPA but uses American ingredients; the most obvious difference comes from the hops, which are much fruitier and less grassy/resinous than their English counterparts.
How do you identify an APA?
The color can range from an intense gold to copper, with bitterness, flavor, and aroma dominated by hops; it has a medium body and low to moderate maltiness.
To each beer its own glass
Shaker: Similar to a pint but without the bulge at the top, commonly used in the States to serve APA.
In 2013, some American breweries collaborated to release a new type of glass that strives to be the new official APA glass. It has thin walls to maintain proper temperature, is curved to amplify the hops aromas, has a rounded base and a very wide mouth.
Characteristics
Colour: amber, EBC 14.4 Alcohol: 5.7% Bitterness (IBU): 42.1
Tasting notes
Appearance: Beautiful intense amber color with a clear, bright appearance and many rising bubbles.
Generous white head with fine, creamy, compact, persistent foam. Aroma: Light, elegant intensity.
The heavy use of American hops, especially due to dry hopping, gives it a very intense hops aroma, fruitier and less grassy than the English counterpart.
Flavor: Bitter but with the right amount of malt to balance it and make it drinkable. The obvious presence of American hops gives this beer citrusy, balsamic notes and a nuance of tropical fruit like mango. It is light-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel, making it easy to drink. The finish is dry but not astringent.
Overall impression: a beer that does not disappoint, very pleasant to drink because of its simplicity and balance.
Best food pairings
Roasted white meat, grilled lamb or beef, cold cuts, rice or pasta dishes with aromatic meat sauces.