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Gretna

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Gretna is a top-fermented American pale ale brewed with German and English malts, very soft, chloride-rich water, American hops and a yeast of British origin. It is golden, medium-bodied and gently carbonated. The bitterness is soft and delicate, and the hops deliver intense yellow fruit, citrus and candied citrus with a slightly balsamic character. The model is the traditional British pale ale, read in the modern US manner.

ABV
5.3%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter35 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden7
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
citrusyfruityhoppy
citrusy
fruity
hoppy
malty
herbal
clean
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced yellow fruit notes—ripe stone fruits and orchard warmth—alongside clean citrus peel and candied citrus impressions.
not found:juicy,caramel,sour,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Gretna

◎ Appearance

Gretna presents a clear golden hue with bright, luminous transparency that catches the light with ease. The head forms modestly and dissipates gradually, leaving a delicate Schaumkleiden that traces the glass. Carbonation is restrained and refined, evidenced by fine, lazy bubble trains that rise without aggression.

bright goldenclear and transparentsoft carbonationdelicate lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced yellow fruit notes—ripe stone fruits and orchard warmth—alongside clean citrus peel and candied citrus impressions. A subtle balsamic undertone adds savory complexity without overshadowing the hop character. The Malz provides a gentle, supporting backdrop of mild grain sweetness that allows the American hops to lead.

yellow fruitcitrus peelcandied citrusbalsamic whisperclean grain

◐ Taste

The palate is soft and welcoming, with the declared chloride-rich water lending a mineral roundness to entry and mid-palate. Bitterness develops gently and linearly, never sharp, with a refined hop bitterness that sits comfortably at 35 IBU. Yellow fruit and candied citrus persist throughout, supported by a medium body that feels balanced and sessionable rather than heavy.

soft bitternessmineral roundnessyellow fruit persistencemedium-bodiedrefined hop character

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and relatively brief, with the bitterness fading to a whisper and citrus notes lingering gently on the palate. A dry, slightly mineral aftertaste confirms the water chemistry and invites another sip.

clean finishgentle citrus fadedry and mineral
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
82
Appearance
80
Finish
78
Serve at 7–10°C

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

Pint glass

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

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Gretna

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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 citrusy, fruity, hoppy character as Gretna will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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