Beer Review: Cellarmaker Underneath the Pine West Coast Pale Ale
Cellarmaker Brewing is a name synonymous with expertly crafted, hop-forward beers. While they’ve masterfully explored the full spectrum of IPAs, their West Coast Pale Ales are often a showcase for their precision and ability to deliver a massive amount of flavor in a highly drinkable package. “Underneath the Pine” is a prime example of this, a beer that promises a classic, hop-centric experience with a modern twist.
The Concept: A Refreshed Classic
Cellarmaker’s description of “Underneath the Pine” is as evocative as the beer itself. It’s a beer inspired by the “rhythm of life—food, music and adventure,” aiming to bottle the feeling of a breeze carrying “hints of citrus, sap, and sunshine.” To achieve this, they’ve updated a recipe last brewed in 2018 with a new hop trio: Citra, Mosaic, and NZ Cascade. This is a brilliant choice, as it blends the familiar West Coast hops of Citra and Mosaic with the unique, expressive character of New Zealand‘s Cascade hop.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pours a brilliantly clear, golden straw color—a hallmark of the West Coast style. The clarity is pristine, and it’s topped with a fluffy, white head that leaves a nice lacing on the glass as it recedes. It’s a beautiful beer to look at and a refreshing sight in a world of hazy brews.
Aroma: The aroma is a delightful blend of the old and the new. You get the classic dank, piney, and resinous notes from the West Coast influence, but the more modern hop notes beautifully complement them. Citra and Mosaic contribute big notes of juicy grapefruit, passionfruit, and a touch of berries, while the NZ Cascade adds a bright, crisp, and slightly floral citrus character. It’s a pungent, complex, and invigorating aroma that promises a rich flavor experience.
Taste: The taste is a masterclass in balance. The bitterness is present and assertive but never overpowering. It’s a clean, dry bitterness that hits the palate first, with a resiny, piney quality. This is quickly followed by an explosion of bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors—lemon peel, grapefruit, and a hint of stone fruit. The malt character is minimal, just enough to provide a clean, crackery backbone that lets the hops take center stage. The finish is incredibly dry and snappy, leaving you ready for the next sip.
Mouthfeel: The body is light and crisp, with a high level of carbonation that makes it exceptionally refreshing. The finish is bone-dry, which is a key characteristic of the style. At 5.7% ABV, it’s a wonderfully sessionable beer that you can easily enjoy multiple cans of without feeling weighed down.
Cellarmaker’s “Underneath the Pine” is a fantastic example of a West Coast Pale Ale done right. It’s clean, crisp, and bursting with hop character, all while maintaining a remarkable level of drinkability. It perfectly captures the essence of the style, delivering a classic pine and citrus punch with the added depth and complexity of modern hop varieties. It’s a beer that proves you don’t need a high ABV or a murky appearance to have a massive flavor profile. This is a must-try for any fan of West Coast beers and a testament to Cellarmaker’s continued excellence in the style.
About the SF Tequila Shop’s Craft Beer Collection
Welcome to the SF Tequila Shop‘s Craft Beer Collection, where our passion for artisanal spirits extends to the world of meticulously crafted brews. While our roots are deeply planted in the rich traditions of agave, we believe that great taste knows no bounds. Our curated selection of craft beers is a testament to this philosophy, offering a diverse and dynamic range of flavors from both local Bay Area legends and acclaimed breweries worldwide.
We’ve hand-picked each beer in this collection to complement our artisanal tequilas and mezcals, offering a variety of profiles that range from crisp and refreshing lagers to bold, barrel-aged stouts. Whether you’re seeking a perfect palate cleanser, a complex brew to sip alongside a fine spirit, or simply a delicious beer to enjoy on its own, you’ll find a beverage that meets your needs.
Explore our selection and discover hoppy IPAs, sour ales, rich porters, and unique seasonal releases. We are dedicated to supporting independent brewers and sharing their stories, one bottle at a time. The SF Tequila Shop is more than just a place for agave; it’s a destination for the discerning drinker who appreciates the art and craft of all things liquid.
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