Pony Express Brewing Co.
Olathe, KS
Available: KS, MO, WI, CA
This beer is brewed with pale, Vienna, carastan and cara-pils malts and Magnum, Cascade and Hallertau hops, and enhanced with 6% soy. China and Taiwan are being tested as potential export markets. The brewery is grower-owned.
Alcohol (wt.): 3.6
Alcohol (vol.): 4.5
Color: n/a
Bitterness: n/a
Gravity: 1048
Handsome, bright golden brew pours with fulsome but short-lived foam. Grainy nose is reminiscent of corn syrup. Flavor lacks even hints of malt or hops. It is minimally rounder than mainstream beers, but with a defined acidity that leaves a dry unpleasant mouthfeel lasting long after swallowing. Perhaps if the beer were served very cold, which my samples are not, this acidity would dissipate. In fairness, I sampled it immediately after receipt, given a tight deadline.
Pours effervescently, with a pure white head that has more staying power than I would expect from such a sparkler. Crystal clear gold in color. The aroma is a light mix of malt, adjunct, and blended hops, with a slight metallic note. The body is better than expected, somewhat silky, and not too prickly. Flavorwise, the adjunct is there, but quite mellow, and the hops present a floral/lemony finish that loiters softly. Overall, a pretty flavorful light beer. Fire up the grill! (reviewed by K. Klemp)
The brewery is “grower-owned” and uses locally grown grain whenever possible; either that or the intended export market in China may explain the inclusion of soy in the fermentables. The beer pours medium-golden with a bright white head that dissipates quickly. Grainy, sweetish nose with a touch of honey. Very light hop character. The sweetness is not evident in the mouth. Light mouthfeel. Slightly acidic finish—could that be the soy? (reviewed by staff)
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at www.examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
