I had a friend that lived near me a few years ago and was from Texas. That guy loved his Shiner, and he was sure I would like it, too. I wasn't aware at the time that Shiner made so many different types of beer. I just had the
Black Lager, and I kind of liked it. The
Farmhouse Ale was pretty much middle of the road. Now, I get to try the Wild Hare Pale Ale thanks to a different friend at work.
The color is a reddish copper with a frothy head that never quite goes away. In fact, it sticks around as clumps on top of the beer with substantial lacing all around the glass. The effect is quite nice, and I am ready to drink it. Nevertheless, I have to explain what it smells like. It smells sweet, a little floral with hops being the biggest component. There - I smelled it. Happy now?
First sip is not what I expected. It doesn't have the taste of those hops I smelled (at least not most of it). It's fairly watery with a sweetness from all the malts. This has more malt than pretty much any pale ale that I've had. It brings a floral taste and some citrus.
A proper swig gives me a tip-in that is malty and floral followed by a cascade of citrus and malt. When the middle starts to fade, the finish brings a bitterness that is unpleasant, as it isn't accompanied by a particularly palatable malt and floral mixture.
Well, I had hoped that this would be a good beer, but it just isn't. Instead, Shiner brings me a beer that hasn't been properly designed.
1.25/5