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Freshwater Pale Ale

Akasha Brewing Company
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🌍 Australia · American Pale Ale · One of 225 American Pale Ales in hopIQ

The beer Akasha launched with in April 2015 and still the best known of the range. Cascade is the only hop named, and it shows: floral and fruity notes with the grapefruit edge that variety is known for. A slightly sweet malt backbone sits underneath and keeps the beer from drying out entirely. The bitterness is low by this brewery's standards, which is what makes it easy to drink.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden7
See all American Pale Ale alternatives →

AWARDS

#35 · 2025
GABS Hottest 100
#35 — GABS Hottest 100
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Balanced backbone, with every axis close to the middle.

Nothing dominates, and that is the craft — each element gets room to be tasted.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another American Pale Ale.
Hop character
floral
citrusy
hoppy
Malt character
malty
Fermentation & yeast
fruity
clean
Distinctive notes
smooth drinking
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Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Freshwater Pale Ale

Appearance

A bright golden hue with excellent clarity and fine carbonation evident throughout the glass. The head forms a dense, cream-colored foam that maintains good adhesion to the glass, creating distinct lacing on the walls as the beer is consumed.

bright goldcleardense headgood lacing

Aroma

The nose is dominated by the characteristic floral and fruity qualities of Cascade hops, with a distinctive grapefruit edge that sits at the forefront. Beneath the hop profile lies a clean, slightly sweet malt foundation that provides gentle supporting notes without interfering with the hop aromatics.

Cascade floralgrapefruit zestcitrus-forwardsubtle sweet malt

Taste

The palate opens with fruity and citrus notes that lead the flavor profile, supported by a gently sweet malt backbone that prevents any harsh drying. The bitterness is restrained—notably moderate for an American Pale Ale—allowing the delicate interplay between hop character and malt sweetness to remain balanced and approachable throughout.

fruitycitrussoft bitternessmalt sweetness

Finish

The finish is clean and refreshing, with the bitterness fading gracefully while leaving behind gentle fruit and floral echoes. The aftertaste remains smooth and drinkable, inviting another sip without lingering harshness.

clean finishsmoothrefreshing
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
78
Appearance
80
Finish
75
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Freshwater Pale Ale

Serve at 7–10°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Freshwater Pale Ale

About American Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American Pale Ale?

Pale Ales balance malt sweetness with moderate hop character at 4.5–6% ABV and IBU 20–40. Approachable with floral, citrus or earthy notes over a biscuit malt base.

Finding a similar American Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same fruity, floral, citrusy character as Freshwater Pale Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other American Pale Ales in hopIQ

Explore all American Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse Australia beers →

WHERE TO BUY

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