Marshall’s Mugs

This week in Mugs continues with the new beer/company theme that has overtaken the early weeks of springtime and focuses on savvy businessman Gene Muller, who founded Flying Fish Brewing Co. in 1995.

Muller’s keen decision to use the Internet to spread the beer’s popularity quicker than other brews actually made the New Jersey brewery the first virtual microbrewery.

Opening in late 1996, Flying Fish has since tripled in capacity and become the largest in the state. I’m therefore proud to say I spent most of my grade school and high school years just five minutes from the brewpub in Somerdale, N.J.

Flying Fish tries to keep its beers balanced, and not too complex, but full of flavor and drinkable. That is the impression I received after enjoying their extra pale ale while out Saturday night.

Flying Fish Extra Pale Ale uses four malts during its brewing process. Two-Row Pale, Munich, Aromatic and Carafoam together give the brew a clean, not too malty backbone. Flying Fish describes it as subtle and sophisticated, and they hit that on the nose.

I think what gives this ale a smooth flavoring is the choice of hops—Mt. Rainier, Palisades and Columbus hops. They are different from what you would normally see in an extra pale ale and contribute to the subtle spice of the beer.

Chico yeast is usually used for ales that are well rounded and the yeast does not enlarge any major characteristics. It seems Flying Fish chose its ingredients around creating a well-balanced drinkable extra pale ale.

A traditional pint glass works with this brew as it pours a light golden amber color. There’s not too much of an aroma going on, but I do get mostly delicate spices with hints of fruit. There is nothing that drives the taste buds crazy, but the beer’s quality is high and it has enough flavor to be enjoyable.

The art of brewing sometimes doesn’t have to be better than anyone else. That being said, Flying Fish describes its beer as balanced, and they could not be more correct. There are no lies or false hopes, just the truth, which can appreciated for any brew.

Since the extra pale ale is so mellow, it can be paired with almost any food category. It will be something that quenches the thirst and pairs nicely with other flavors. Try a spicy barbeque pulled pork sandwich with a little bit of coleslaw and Swiss cheese.

 

QUICK REVIEW:

Taste: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Flying Fish’s version of an extra pale ale. Its subtleness and balance is refreshing and tasty. 


Feel: 5 out of 5 stars
Super smooth and still flavorful—a quality that is hard to find.


Look: 3 out of 5 stars
Pretty basic in color but it holds carbonation like any microbrew should.


Smell: 3 out of 5 stars
A little lacking in this category. Not too much going on in the aroma.


Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to beer and I like that it is a tasty refreshing brew. It is a solid choice at any bar with limited selection.