Finch’s Cut Throat Review

Posted by Andy on Jul 8, 2012 in Beer Reviews | 0 comments

Brewery: Finch’s Beer Co., Chicago, Illinois
Beer: Cut Throat Pale Ale
Serving: 16 oz can
Glassware: Sierra Nevada imperial pint
Information: 5.6% ABV, no date or info
Style: American Pale Ale
Price: $8.99 / 4-pack
Availability: Year-round

Cellaring: Not recommended for extended aging.
Pairings: “Enjoy this pale with just about any pairing of your choice.”

Appearance

Finch’s Beer cans are filled, basically to the brim, keeping oxygen out, but soaking the surroundings with a splash of beer when you crack the can open. Proceed with caution. This pale pours a robust golden orange color that’s lightly hazed and topped by a hearty ivory beige head. Great suds retention eventually results in gobs of clumpy lace on the pint. Bottoms up!

Smell

Cut Throat isn’t quite as aggressive as the name forebodes, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t smell tasty! Opening with citrus notes from sweet orange peel as well as hops, this pale ale already leans towards the hoppy side. Cut lawn and earthy mulch pile add a different level to this beer that blends well with the balancing malt. Sweet caramel and flaky biscuit back it all up for a good, round, and inviting aroma.

Taste

Hop forward this pale ale indeed is. Citrus notes swap places with the earthy tones as this beer showcases more of that cut grass and mulch, reminding of working in the berm on a summer day. Biscuit and caramel malt follow behind, sure to balance without getting in the way, but I don’t find much of the sweet orange peel coming through in the taste.

Mouthfeel

Moderate bitterness slakes the tongue adding a lingering dry finish that immediate draws you back for another sip. Hop-leaning but very well balanced, this medium-bodied pale has a bright carbonation tickle that livens things up for a pleasant experience on the palate.

Overall

Cut Throat Pale Ale is a pretty fantastic pale. The hop additions are nailed down nicely to come front and center without elevating the beer to an IPA-like level while subtle malt has no delusions of grandeur, content to provide a stable base for the deep hop exploration. Quite a sessionable pale ale, I must say.