Bass Pale Ale

[grainbrew]

Last night, while at my local liquor store, I came upon some imported Bass bottles. So I picked up a few of the Bass Pale Ale.

Aroma was faint, but had a hint of malt. I was hard pressed to detect any hops in the aroma.

I served it room temperature, so the head was quite impressive, and laced nicely on the glass.

Taste was decidedly on the malt side, with a subtle hop support. Mouthfeel was medium light and smooth.

Bitterness was absent. I was a bit disapointed here for I could not detect the slightest bit.

Comparing this ale to Fuller's pale ale, I'd have to say that the fuller's has alot more malt character and sweetness. The fuller has a disctinguished buiscuit malt character and its aroma is up front.

Would these two pale ales be good examples of an english "pale ale"?

Thanks

J

[steveh]

Bass is a pale shadow of what it once was. I can hardly wait for changes by their new owners...

S.

[grainbrew]

Good to hear.

I had heard so many great things about this beer, and was quite disapointed. Mostly, in the lack of hops.

The body and mouthfeel was nice. But other than that, I had a hard time really finding qualities that I enjoy in beer.

J

[threecb]

Bass used to be my fallback beer in bars with "questionable" choices available. Now I don't even consider it. Especially in bottles. It's such a disappointing beer now compared to what it used to be. I've always wondered if the beer changed that much, or my tastes did.

Fullers is a decent representation, though.

[grainbrew]

I did enjoy the Fuller's London Pride,

However, I found it leaned too much on the malt character and wish there would of been more balance with its hop character. Seems both the english pale ales I tried have no obvious hops in the nose, taste, or bitterness.

J

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by threecb
Now I don't even consider it. Especially in bottles. It's such a disappointing beer now compared to what it used to be. I've always wondered if the beer changed that much, or my tastes did.


I enjoy it less, myself. What a shame, as I used to think it was decent beer.

Could it be my change in tastes (i prefer North American ales, now), or is it an actual change in recipe?
And who is the new owner?

[threecb]

Originally posted by unkle bik
And who is the new owner?

InBev (formerly Interbrew), owners of such brands as Becks, Stella Artois, Leffe, etc...

[grainbrew]

I heard that you use to be able to enjoy hops in a Bass pale ale from the bottle.

J

[davesarman]

Back when I was in college (about 1989 or so), it was a bottle of Bass that made me realize there was more to beer than Old Milwaukee Light. I had one this summer and found it unimpressive at best. Sad that it is just a shadow of it's former self. Unfortunately, that's what "marketing research" and "sound business decisions" sometimes do to once great products.

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by davesarman
Unfortunately, that's what "marketing research" and "sound business decisions" sometimes do to once great products.

So I take it they altered the recipe to appeal to a certain demographic?

[davesarman]

I guess that's an assumption on my part, but since they were taken over by a mega-conglomerate corporation, that is what led me to that assumption. Perhaps I'm wrong. Verification, anyone?

[steveh]

Originally posted by threecb
InBev (formerly Interbrew), owners of such brands as Becks, Stella Artois, Leffe, etc...

I believe it's Coors just purchased the brewery. Yes, that Coors.

S.

[chazwicke]

Not much chance of Bass getting better. We drank it a long time ago and now I kind of think it deserves a place somewhere between BMC and Sam Adams. It would be the absolute bottom of what i would consider drinking.

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by steveh
I believe it's Coors just purchased the brewery. Yes, that Coors.

S.

Aren't they in bed with Molson as well?

[threecb]

Originally posted by steveh
I believe it's Coors just purchased the brewery.

How recently did this happen? The Bass website is still connected with InBev.

[steveh]

Within the last year, I believe. I think InBev was trying to "diverisfy" and Coors stepped in - following in the success of Bud in the U.K. Blech.

S.

And yes, Coors and Molson are also now partnered.

[grainbrew]

Soon, all the macros will be owned by two coorporations. Globalisaiton is a bad thing my friends.

What can you do? Hey, I know, I can brew my own!

J

[steveh]

Not the full story on the "new owners," but you get a little of the news here. (http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART18619.html)

S.

Hmm, maybe they only bought the museum - as much a travesity in itself.

[unkle bik]

Yeah, I bet this is the case:

"The staff are delighted that Coors is to be in the new name reflecting the company’s commitment to the attraction," added Mike Maryon, Visitor Centre Director. "

What, company's can't keep some sense of uniqueness?
Sounds as bad as when GM made Saturn part of the GM fold.
:mad: