Derek Warren

DRINK IT DOWN: Melvin Brewing’s Hubert MPA may be the best pale ale on the market

DRINK IT DOWN: Melvin Brewing’s Hubert MPA may be the best pale ale on the market
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Beer: Hubert MPA

Brewery: Melvin Brewing

Style: American Pale Ale

ABV: 6.00%

Description: Hubert MPA pours a beautifully clear golden yellow hue with a bright white foamy head that leaves a very thick lacing on the glass. The aroma is hop forward but balanced; notes of citrus fruits lead the way, with subtle piney hops and sweet malts present in the background. The taste follows the nose, with hits of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits leading the charge. Tropical fruits make an appearance mid-palate in the form of mangos and pineapples before a pine bittering quality takes over and finishes with a semi-sweet malt cleanse. This is a pale ale that packs a punch of flavor in this wonderful drinking experience.

The moderate carbonation and medium body are textbook for the style. This is quite possibly the best American pale ale you will ever have, and it cannot be recommended enough to hop lovers especially, but even more so to craft beer lovers in general!

Food pairing: While it still feels like winter has its firm grasp on us, its days are numbered. This is a perfect pale ale for any upcoming backyard cookouts and goes perfectly with a lot of American faire. Keep your fridge well-stocked with Hubert MPA for the first warm weather BBQ, as it is the perfect beer to pair with hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, spare ribs, and it even goes well with fish. The floral and citrus notes are the perfect counterpoint for any spicy BBQ sauce.

Hubert is also the perfect beer for a Friday at home with friends enjoying pizza and movies. The subtle yet sweet malts will absolutely melt into the crust, and feel free to pile the toppings high – this beer can handle them all despite the moderate ABV.

While fried foods aren’t necessarily the healthiest to consume, we all do what we know is bad for us from time to time. If you’re partaking in some fried foods, be sure to have Hubert on hand. It is perfect with French fries, fried chicken, fried veggies with ranch dipping sauce, and a litany of other good yet bad food choices. Hubert MPA is a beer that should be in any well-stocked fridge, as it pairs with a huge variety of foods all year round.

The final word: The craft beer market is a fickle one. At one point, the East Coast versus West Coast IPA debate was the biggest argument, with many West Coast breweries reaping the benefit. Now, very small microbreweries brewing hazy IPAs gain a lot of attention. However, during all of this, the pale ale has stood tall as a great-go to style, so when you find a well-brewed one, it a beer relationship that can last a lifetime!

Melvin Brewing in Wyoming has brewed quite possibly the best American pale ale on the market with Hubert. The hop crispness is tilting towards an IPA but remains restrained enough to still firmly stand in the pale ale category. Hubert is a beer that any craft beer lover should enjoy, no matter that they have in their fridge. The huge flavor, crisp body, hop bite, and perfect balance create an invigorating beer drinking experience!

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Where can I get it? Currently available in 12 oz. cans at: Joe’s Beerman (1561 Main St., Peckville), Beer Express (931 Main St., Simpson), Brews Brothers (1705 River Rd., Pittston), and Krugel’s Georgetown Deli & Beer (720 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd., Wilkes-Barre).

Drink It Down is a weekly column that doesn’t just review beer – it provides the full experience of going out and enjoying a quality craft brew. Look for it on Mondays exclusively on NEPA Scene.