Cellarmaker Brewing | Hop Making Sense (West Coast Pale Ale)
Cellarmaker remains a titan of the San Francisco beer scene, particularly for hop-forward, clear ales. Hop Making Sense is a brilliant example of their ability to pack massive complexity into a 5.7% ABV Pale Ale. It leans into the “modern” West Coast style, clean, dry, and relentlessly aromatic, without the punishing bitterness of years past.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Pours a beautiful, translucent straw-gold with a tight, snowy white head. The carbonation is lively, maintaining a persistent ring of foam and consistent lacing.
- Aroma: The hop profile is sophisticated and multi-layered. Expect an initial burst of Nelson Sauvin (white wine grapes and gooseberry) followed closely by the tropical, passionfruit notes of Strata. There is a clean, classic citrus backbone provided by Mosaic and Centennial.
- Palate: Lean and incredibly crisp. The malt bill is exceptionally light, serving only as a subtle platform for the hops to shine. It features a bright, effervescent mouthfeel that makes the tropical fruit and citrus oils pop on the tongue.
- Finish: Bone-dry and refreshing. The bitterness is firm but exceptionally clean, disappearing quickly to leave a lingering note of grapefruit zest and light pine.
The Verdict
Hop Making Sense is a masterclass in balance. It offers the aromatic intensity of a much larger IPA but with a lower ABV and a high “crushability” factor. It’s a beer that highlights why Cellarmaker is so respected; it’s technical, clean, and highlights the specific nuances of premium hop varieties without any clutter.