Dark Element – Pandora

£5.40

Pale Ale

5.4%

440ml

7 in stock

Description

This is a New England Pale Ale that sits right in the "sweet spot" for strength and drinkability. It’s built to be incredibly smooth and carries a sophisticated, fruit-forward profile that makes it a proper standout on any tap list.

The Lowdown

  • The Style: A New England / Hazy Pale Ale. Expect a beautifully opaque pour and a silky, soft texture.
  • The Stats: It sits at a very respectable 5.4% ABV, providing a bit more body and "oomph" than your standard session pale.
  • The Vibe: Sophisticated, tropical, and remarkably smooth. It’s got a "creamy" character that makes it feel like a real treat.

The Build

They’ve gone for a world-class trio of hops, leaning heavily into the unique characteristics of New Zealand varieties:

  • Wai-iti: A Kiwi gem that brings lovely notes of fresh peach and apricot, alongside a zesty lime finish.
  • Nelson Sauvin: The "white wine" hop that adds a sophisticated layer of gooseberry and crushed grapes.
  • Citra: Providing the foundational backbone of pink grapefruit and sweet tropical citrus.

Tasting Notes

On the pour, it’s a stunning, opaque glowing gold with a thick, frothy white head. The aroma is fantastic—you get an immediate hit of stone fruit and a lovely "dank" vinous note from the Nelson hops. The first sip is remarkably velvety and almost "cream soda-like" in its smoothness, thanks to a heavy dose of oats in the grist. You’ll pick up layers of ripe peach, mango, and a refreshing citrus zing, followed by a very soft, clean finish with almost no bitterness.