Great Divide Brewing Co: DPA

At the suggestion of gdwill, I decided to acquire some of Great Divide Brewing Co.'s fine gifts. I made the decision tonight to start with two representations of their line-up.

First was the standard, basic offering of DPA, otherwise known as Denver Pale Ale. A few facts from their site:

Accolades and other buzz on DPA:

• Gold Medal: World Beer Cup, 2000 – Classic English-Style Pale Ale
• Gold Medal: Great American Beer Festival, 1999 – Classic English Style Pale
• Bronze Medal: Great American Beer Festival, 2002 - Classic English-Style Pale Ale
• Bronze Medal: World Beer Cup, 1998 – Classic English-Style Pale Ale
• Bronze Medal: Great American Beer Festival, 1997 – Classic English Style Pale
• Best Pale Ale, Westword Magazine, Best of Denver, 1998
• Regional Champion, United States Beer Tasting Championship, Summer 2004 – Pale Ale
• Regional Champion, United States Beer Tasting Championship, Summer 2000 – Pale Ale
• Michael Jackson, world-renowned beer expert described DPA as “a very refreshing, appetizing American-style pale ale... a lively beer.” Michael Jackson, All About Beer.
• John Lehndorff, of the Rocky Mountain News, proclaimed, “Great Divide Brewing Company deserves the slew of medals it has won for this crisp, traditional pale ale.”
• Chris Black, proprietor of the Falling Rock Tap House notes that DPA is a “classic English-style pale ale, as evidenced by its ever-growing list of medals.” Quoted by Dick Kreck, in The Denver Post.

ABV 5.4%
Availability: 6 packs and draft, year round

Being a big fan of the hoppy style, my tongue longed to taste this DPA. I was not disappointed. First, the hop aroma is crisp, as it should be but not overwhelming. Like the bottle says, the malty middle definitely stands out. It proves a great introduction for the final bite of hops on the end of the drink. DPA has all the elements of a great standard drinking IPA. If you enjoy IPA's as a rule, this may be the Great Divide offering to slate your thirst.
Overall Rating 85 out of 100.

I enjoy hops. I think it is because I enjoy the snap that they bring to a drink. A hop rightly placed is like gold. There is a quality to life that comes from the hand of God. The snap of laughter that comes a great comedy. The snap of surprise that comes when the ring is brought out and the proposal is made. I look forward to those moments and treasure them as gifts from the hand of a loving Father.

If you've had the pleasure of enjoying Denver Pale Ale, please feel free to add your comments below.

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