Name: Cervesa Banayad
Brewer: Banayad Craft Brew (Philippines)
Style: American Pale Ale
ABV: 6%
Review Year: 2021
Cervesa Banayad is the latest hop-forward Pale Ale from the Manila-based craft brewery, Banayad Craft Brew.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as an American Pale Ale (18B) in the context of the 2015 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). The most current version of the guidelines can be found on the BJCP website.
TASTING NOTES
Pale amber with slight haziness; medium white head with fair retention. Bright fruity aromas (medium-high intensity) of orange citrus, rambutan, and guyabano were at the forefront alongside a subtle caramel note. Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, with a low astringent or puckering afterfeel. The hop flavor mirrored the fruity aromas but with complementing hints of orange pith and cantaloupe. Malt character was moderate yet distinct, initially manifesting as bready. Upon revisiting, malt backbone showcased additional complexity that included faint nutty, grainy, slightly toasty, and caramelly accents. Moderate bitterness; low residual sweetness. The aftertaste lingered with the noted fruity flavors and doughy, malty, nutty impressions.
THE VERDICT
Cervesa Banayad is a drinkable American Pale Ale with the hop bitterness and flavor approaching almost that of an American IPA. As expected, hop aroma and flavor led the charge, featuring a classic citrusy character associated with American hops. Malt backbone was supportive but expressed a diverse array of flavors that ranged from bready to grainy and from nutty to caramelly. As per the guidelines, the presence of specialty malts in both aroma and flavor is not a flaw as long as it is noted in “small amounts.”
Overall, we think Cervesa Banayad is a very good take on an American Pale Ale but a cleaner malt backbone (e.g., less bready and doughy flavors) to support the hop flavors as well as tempered astringency could improve further its overall presentation.
Related Reviews:
Banayad Craft Brew
Beers From the Philippines
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