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McMullen Pale Ale

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Citrus on the nose, citrus and spicy berries on the palate: a golden, well-balanced 3.9% bottled pale ale inspired by the Hertfordshire countryside around Hertford. East Anglian barley with Crystal malt and Caramalt meets whole-leaf Fuggle, Bramling Cross and Golding hops, brewed at The Whole Hop Brewery with the brewery's own spring water. Bitterness sits at 2 out of 5, sweetness at 2.5.

ABV
3.9%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
citrusyhoppyspicy
citrusy
hoppy
spicy
malty
caramel
berry
Aroma
The nose leads with pronounced citrus notes—both bright and clean—layered with herbal and slightly spicy notes from the whole-leaf Fuggle, Bramling Cross, and Golding hops.
also:clean
not found:juicy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for McMullen Pale Ale

◎ Appearance

A bright golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head. The carbonation is lively but restrained, lending a crisp visual presence without aggressive effervescence. Schaumhaftung is moderate and consistent, with delicate lacing that traces the glass as the beer is consumed.

bright goldenclearfine persistent headlively carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with pronounced citrus notes—both bright and clean—layered with herbal and slightly spicy notes from the whole-leaf Fuggle, Bramling Cross, and Golding hops. Beneath the hoppy character, soft malt sweetness emerges, with hints of caramel and a subtle earthiness. The spring water base allows these aromatics to express themselves without mineral interference.

citrus-forwardherbal-spicysoft malt sweetnessclean spring water

◐ Taste

Entry is crisp and zesty, with citrus and spicy berry flavours unfolding across the mid-palate. Crystal and Caramalt contribute a gentle sweetness and warm caramel note that balances the moderate hop bitterness without dominating. The finish remains dry and refreshing, with the bitterness sitting comfortably at 2 out of 5—enough to cleanse the palate without harsh astringency.

citrus, spicy berrygentle caramel sweetnessmoderate bitternessdry crisp finish

◑ Finish

The aftertaste is clean and relatively short, fading to a gentle malty undertone and lingering hop spice. At 3.9% ABV, the beer drinks light and refreshing, encouraging another sip rather than demanding contemplation.

clean dry aftertastelight refreshing
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
79
Appearance
78
Finish
75
Serve at 7–10°C

Cold enough to sharpen the hop aroma without numbing the palate. Around 7–9°C keeps the citrus and pine vivid without losing bitterness definition.

Pint glass

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

Drink fresh — hop aroma fades fast. Best within 3 months of canning or bottling.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with McMullen Pale Ale

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About Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Pale Ale?

India Pale Ales are hop-forward ales with ABV typically 5.5–7.5% and IBU 40–70+. Bold citrus, pine or tropical aromas alongside firm bitterness and a clean dry finish.

Finding a similar Pale Ale

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

Compare with another beer →Explore all Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse United Kingdom beers →