On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.
Our Recommendation: A Light Shade of Pale
Where: Station Taproom, 207 West Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335 (484) 593-0560
I sat down with Station Taproom Owner Sean McGettigan to learn about this American Pale Ale. Sean explained this beer was created during his visit to Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp, in Chico, California. He was one of a number of Philadelphia area beer aficionados who as a team crafted beers from scratch during their stay.
“Our goal was to create an easy drinking pale ale that’s good for the summer months,” Sean said over a sampling. “Sierra Nevada is known for their American Pale Ale style, and we wanted to build on that. We wanted to create a sessionable beer, one where you could sit down and drink a few.”
A Lighter Shade of Pale comes in at 4.4%. It’s a refreshing ale, with subtle hops, that’s perfect for warm summer evenings. As for the name A Lighter Shade of Pale, Sean explained the take off came from Procol Harum’s hit song “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” They thought the modified song title was a natural since they were creating a lighter tasting pale ale style.
A Lighter Shade of Ale is only available on tap and Station Taproom has four kegs for the summer. The first was tapped today, June 22nd. The remaining three kegs will be rotated in throughout the summer.
Two other beers were tapped tonight and will be worth a try this summer. Hop Smack Double Black Ale and ExPortation, which were also created during Sierra Nevada Beer Camps. We hope to review those in upcoming On Tap columns!
