Tooth and Nail Brewing Tenacity Pale Ale

There are  a lot of misconceptions about pale ale, particularly about the colour so I am always skeptical when I hear of a new one.  I love a good, proper pale ale in the old British style.  British organization CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has done a great job at promoting the definition of proper ales, to help fend off the lagerization of the beer world.  All this to say that a lot of people think pale ale is synonymous with blonde ale, when a proper pale ale should be a dark orange colour as opposed to yellow, straw colour and fortunately brand new Ottawa brewery Tooth and Nail have made a proper pale ale.  Tooth and Nail have only been open for 4 days at time of writing, so I can forgive them if their beers need some work, fortunately their Tenacity is nearly there, a great first beer!

A lot of Pale Ales front load the hoppy bitterness, however Tenacity is decidedly mild on the nose and tongue.  As the sip opens you get a nice and malty taste that gradually introduces the hop flavour, so as someone who isn't a fan of beers with front loaded hop flavour this was a refreshing change.  As the sip progresses the hops make their entrance, not overwhelming but enough to satisfy the most partisan of hop supporters.  This hoppy middle trails off into an interesting citrussy finish, something that is very reminiscent of a Belgian beer as opposed to an English Pale Ale, there is even a touch of banana flavour as you finish the sip.   The overall consistency is quite good, although I found it to be a tad thin, it could use some more malt.   Despite this thinness it is quite refreshing, a beer I would definitely recommend.  The interesting entente cordiale between English and Belgian styles is a nice touch, makes it stand out from other pale ales.

So far it's only available on tap at their on site bar/tasting room and at Brothers Beer Bistro in Ottawa, however they are planning on opening a retail shop soon and expanding to other bars and restaurants in Ottawa. 

Alc 5.8%
Rating: 4 Steins.

What you need to know

Website:
http://toothandnailbeer.com/

Brewery/Brewpub
3 Irving Ave.
Ottawa, ON

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@toothnailbeer

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