Introduction

A pioneer of craft brewing in the Pacific Northwest, Pyramid Breweries was originally named Hart Brewing. Tom Baune and Beth Hartwell founded the brewery in 1984 and came out with their signature beer, Pyramid Pale Ale. In 1985, they introduced Pyramid Wheaten Ale and became the first American brewery to produce a year-round wheat beer since Prohibition and it became a gateway craft beer for many. Ten years later, Apricot Ale was released and quickly became their most prominent brand. Hart Brewing eventually became Pyramid Breweries and they are now one of the largest craft brewers in the United States.

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How it looks

This beer pours the colour of dried apricots as a solid hazy, golden-orange with a fluffy, creamy, off-white head that lingers and then recedes into nice lacing.

How it smells

The immediate aroma of fleshy apricots and honeyed biscuit malt comes through and this beer smells slightly sweet with a hint of earthiness. Some wheat aromas can be detected in the back but they truly are riding shotgun to the apricot smells on this one.

How it tastes

The apricot flavour is very powerful and sweet, but offers some room for fruity citrus and piney hops to come through slightly. A touch of toasted malt is present, along with some bready yeast on the finish of this medium-body, low carbonation, and creamy beer. At the back of the palate, the wheat has some presence and provides some earthy flavour that when combined with the hint of peach flavour that joins on the finish leaves a sweet, but smooth, taste to linger on the tongue.

Recommended food pairing

Creamy cheese, such as brie or camembert, plays well with the apricot flavours and the beer itself helps to bring out some of the nuttiness in the cheese. This also goes exceptionally well with summer salads or grilled pork.