Little Flume Pa

Little Flume Pale Ale is a Massachusetts-brewed pale ale sold in a four-pack of cans. The listing gives no ABV, IBU or hop bill, so what follows describes the style rather than measured figures for this beer. American pale ales usually sit between roughly 4.5 and 6 percent ABV, with a moderate bitterness that lands well short of an IPA. Expect citrus, pine or stone-fruit hop aroma over a light bready malt backbone, and a dry, clean finish that makes the beer easy to drink in volume. The can format suits the style. It blocks light, which dulls hop aroma over time, and it chills fast. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 38 to 45°F, since a few degrees of warming lets the hop character open up without turning the malt heavy. A standard pint glass or a shaker pint works, and a tulip or stemmed pub glass will concentrate the aroma if you want to notice it. Pour with a firm stream down the middle of the glass to build a modest head, then leave the last few drops of any yeast sediment in the can. Pale ale is a flexible food beer because its bitterness cuts through fat and its malt stays out of the way. It fits burgers, grilled sausages, fried chicken, fish tacos and pepperoni or sausage pizza. Medium-sharp cheddar and mildly spiced dishes also work. Very hot curries or heavy, sweet desserts will overwhelm it. Because it is a hop-forward beer, drink it fresh and keep it refrigerated rather than stored warm for months.