Sunday, May 3, 2026

De Brabandere Petrus Aged Pale Ale

Petrus Aged Pale Ale is an oak-aged Belgian wild pale ale. 

Brewer's NotesPetrus Aged Pale is a 100% beer from our foeders. Michael Jackson, the beer hunter, chose the name in the late 1990s – and he was the first to sell this beer in his beer clubs. Today, it is still the reference for sour beers in the US. Petrus Aged Pale has won multiple gold medals in beer competitions worldwide. Moreover, ever since the start of the brewery, the beer has been used as a blending-beer with other beers to give them fresh, slightly sour flavors and aromas.

Aged in Oak foeders for over 24 months

BeeradvocatePetrus Aged Pale is a 100% beer from our foeders. Michael Jackson, the beer hunter, chose the name in the late 1990s – and he was the first to sell this beer in his beer clubs. Today, it is still the reference for sour beers in the US. Petrus Aged Pale has won multiple gold medals in beer competitions worldwide. Moreover, ever since the start of the brewery, the beer has been used as a blending-beer with other beers to give them fresh, slightly sour flavors and aromas.

Aged in Oak foeders for over 24 months

Tasting notes
20260504: I drank the first of 2 four-packs I purchased at Kahn's in Indy. Yes, it is still complex. I combines sweet apple, crab apple, apple vinegar and a subtle oakey smokiness. It combines bitter and tartness. I wanted a little more tartness.

Rating = 5.5 glasses

202202: Wow! Much better than I remembered. Tart and vinegary w/ a hint of oak. Alex said it packed a wallop. I want more.

Rating: 6 and thought about going higher.

200905: An interesting twist on a Belgian Pale Ale. Aging in oak gives the beer a touch of apple and lemon. Good but not great. I wanted more kick. 

Old Rating: 4 glasses

3 Floyds Alpha King

 

Alpha King is a great pale ale.

Brewer's notes: The first beer we ever brewed at 3 Floyds back in 1996, Alpha King is a bold and assertive American Pale Ale, utilizing seven different malts to create both balance and complexity. Spotlighting Centennial hops, the beer that started it all features a slight caramel sweetness and pronounced citrus hoppiness.

BeerAdvocate: A bold yet balanced American Pale Ale with slight caramel sweetness and aggressive citrus hoppiness. This is our flagship beer.

68 IBU

Tasting Notes
20260503
Another trip to Indy = another six pack. Yummy! 
Rating = 6 glasses

19 July 2024
The 5th of a six-pack I purchased on a recent trip to Indy prompted me to reiterate what a great beer Alpha King is. Hoppy enough to be an IPA but retains the balance and sweetness of a true pale ale. It may be the best pale ale I have tasted. Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale may rival it. 

Rating = 6 glasses

08 Oct. 2020
I am revising the rating.

Rating = 6 glasses.

13 Sept. 2020
Alpha King is a fantastic pale ale. It balances malty sweetness with subtle hop bite to create a flavorful, complex beer that is good enough to savor but begs to be gulped. It is more English (sweet and balanced) than American (hop-forward). It paired wonderfully with a Tex-Mex carnita burrito covered in enchilada sauce.

Rating = 5 glasses. I need to try another Zombie Dust to decide whether the best rating is 5 or 6.

3 Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA

Dreadnaught is a classic West Coast Double IPA.

Brewer's Notes: Our OG Imperial IPA, Dreadnaught ups the ante with intense citrus hop aromas, a huge malt body, and a crisp finish. Notes of pine, mango, and pineapple are balanced by A strong malt bill which creates a wonderful partner to the strong hop bitterness.

Beeradvocate: An Imperial India Pale Ale with an intense citrus hop aroma, a huge malt body and a crisp finish. 100 IBU.

Tasting notes
20260503: I picked up a four pack in Indy. Yummy and loads of lacing as I drank the beer. 

Rating = 6.5 glasses

August 2022: The beer continues to impress. Upgraded to 6.5 glasses.

June 2022: The pour is beautiful with a slightly hazy golden body and a creamy cloud of foam on top. Bitterness predominates but it has just enough sweetness to balance. BeerAdvocate rates it "World Class". I agree.

Rating: 6 glasses