On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.
Our Recommendation: Mirror Pond Ale, Deschutes Brewery
Where: Side Bar, 10 East Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380
I sat down with Justin Dougherty, the co-owner of the Side Bar to learn about this West Coast beer and brewery. Justin explained that Mirror Pond Ale was created by Deschutes Brewery out of Bend, Oregon and is generally not distributed on the East Coast. Thanks to the Philadelphia Beer Week Celebration, Side Bar was selected to receive a keg of this American Pale Ale, which they just recently tapped. Mirror Pond Pale Ale won the Gold Medal for Classic English Style Pale Ale at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival.
Justin said he likes Mirror Pond Ale because of the “copper color and the light hoppy flavor.” He describes it as “a classic pale ale, well balanced in flavors.” Mirror Pond comes in at 5.3% alcohol, so most people can enjoy a refill without concern.
I enjoyed this ale tremendously. It was smooth and like a good ale, was not overly hopped up. I also like how chilled they served on tap brew at Side Bar. The ale was very refreshing on a humid afternoon.
Justin informed me that since the Mirror Pond Ale keg has kicked, but he has one other keg from Deschutes to tap. It’s been noted that Black Butte Porter is in line to be tapped tonight. So whether you get to Side Bar sooner or later, try a West Coast beer that is rare and special in West Chester (their beer menu may be viewed here).
For last week’s On Tap column, featuring Sierra Nevada’s A Lighter Shade of Pale, click here.
